On Thu 03 Nov, Allan Bennett wrote:


British Canoe Union statement on Independent on Sunday article 01/11/05

These are serious allegations which we are actively investigating. We are
in the process of gathering all relevant information, having already
arranged translations of the article in which the alleged comments are
made. Initial analysis clearly shows that the comments attributed to Krassi
have been taken out of context from the article in which he also
categorically states his opposition to doping in sport*.

Krassi Ivanov was employed by the British Canoe Union (BCU) on his
ability as a coach following a thorough selection process. He will carry on
with his work whilst the investigation is ongoing. Along with all our other
coaches he has signed up to the BCU's anti-doping policy, and with the
information we have to hand so far there is no reason to doubt his
commitment to this policy.

It has also been alleged that Krassi was dismissed from his former post
with the Belgium Canoe Federation as a result of concerns over the comments
made in this article. This is simply not true as his departure was mutually
agreed due to issues regarding the amount of time spent travelling whilst
carrying out his duties.

* - In the article, Krassi states that 'doping is gambling with health,
you risk life-long suspensions. It's irresponsible. As a coach I discourage
my athletes from taking anything'.

Ends


More nonsense from the BCU!

They've been panicked into more deceptions, but have succeeded only in
publicising the matter further, making the BCU look even more stupid, causing
themselves and the sport embarrassment and opening themselves up to further
questioning.

The statement displays a serious shortfall in integrity and honesty and is
deceiving by taking quotations out of context.

? Firstly, there was more than one article. Ivanov repeated his views on
Radio and the Sunday papers. They were also made in a cycling magazine and a
sports journal - so the scurrilous claim of naivety can be dismissed. There
is no ambiguity in this. He was not asked any impromptu, hypothetical
questions, he offered his views unsolicited and unprovoked.

There is no if-clause. He made (repeatedly) definitive statements without
qualifiers leaving readers / listeners in no doubt where he stood on drugs
legalisation. No amount of wriggling or claims of naivety will get him out
of that one.

? The claim that Ivanov was employed by the BCU on his ability as a coach is
also misleading: he was not appointed to the first post that he initially
applied for. As I understand it, our ex-Junior coach with no quality
world-class personal performances to his name and negligible
experience of coaching seniors at high level beat him to the job.

The job description of his current post requires him to coach C2. Sean Caven
is recorded as saying to our C2 paddlers that 'Ivanov knows little about C2,
but he's got some mates in Bulgaria who will give him some tips'. Hardly
inspiring suff, is it?

The 'thorough selection process' did not even include an interview with
Steven Train - a 5-times Olympian with World and European titles on his
record and who coached our C2 to 11th in the World Championships this year.

? Regarding Ivanove leaving his previous post: The Chief Executive of the
British Olympic Association, Simon Clegg claims that (for therecord) 'his
contract was not renewed after the Athens Games'. This statement does not
stack up with the BCU line, does it?

Ivanov's comments about legalising drugs were made in mid-January this year
and according to Tine Vermeersch's article in Sporta magazine: 'at the
beginning of February he was dismissed by the Kayak Federation'.

Director of sport in Belgium Eddy De Smedt commented: ”I would first like to
read the article, although from what I‘ve heard, it would seem a dangerous
argument. This is an indefensible position. Some athletes are already taking
risks now. Who knows what shall happen if doping is legalised? Naturally,
everyone is entitled to freedom of speech but Ivanov is in a position of
responsibility, he is the national coach that went to the Athens Games and I
don‘t think his comments are appropriate. Shall he be sanctioned? If he
really said these things, then we must talk to him about it. These comments
could represent a betrayal of our trusting relationship."

La Derniere Heure magazine (25.02.05) contains this:

"Krassimir Ivanov reprochait à la Fédération le fait qu'il soit obligé de
participer à de nombreux stages à l'étranger et devait ainsi négliger sa
famille. C'est la raison officielle de la séparation avec le Bloso et la
Fédération. Mais les déclarations d'Ivanov concernant le dopage («On devrait
libéraliser tous les produits») ont sans doute pesé très lourdement dans la
balance."

...so they're a bit sceptical, too!

....and we've all heard about 'leave quietly and we'll give you a good
reference' deals...

As there is more than one 'official' version, the most logical is the one I
would go with, and perhaps there is a lesson there for the BCU.

? Regarding the Ivanov quote above * - any of his anti-doping comments can be
balanced with serious ones showing his true opinions. His claim that he
discourages athletes from taking drugs is not supported by his statement
reported on 16 January:

"But I often say to my athletes that doping should be allowed."

This is a clear indication that he is in favour of drugs and their
legalisation.



British Canoe Union statement - Krassimir Ivanov 02/11/05



Further to today's press coverage in a number of newspapers, British
Canoe Union coach Krassimir Ivanov has asked for the following statement to
be released on his behalf:

'I wish to make it clear that I totally support the anti-doping stance of
the BCU and UK Sport. I do not, and never would, promote the use of
prohibited substances. I have never encouraged nor assisted any athletes
with doping, and none of the athletes I have coached has ever failed a
drugs test.

'The comments attributed to me in the article were part of a hypothetical
discussion about what would happen if there were no anti-doping rules in
sport. I realise now that I may have been naïve to engage in this, but it
is a debate that is ongoing and I was merely offering my thoughts. I
reiterate that I am opposed to any form of doping in sport and take very
seriously my role as a coach in getting that message across to my athletes.

'Questions have also been raised about my experiences of the
supplementation regime I faced in Bulgaria during my time as an athlete.
The doctors did give us supplements, but I have never knowingly taken any
prohibitive substance.


'I appreciate the need for the BCU and UK Sport to investigate the claims
being made against me and I am happy to assist with this in any way I can.'

Ends

Yeah, right. He would say that, wouldn't he? He wants to keep his job!

The truth is, there were honest athletes in Bulgaria who were sent home for
refusing to take the pills. Ivanov was not one of the honest ones.




Allan Bennett
Not a fan of falsies


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