World Athletics clarifies position on PATAFA, says Obiena issue an 'internal matter' to be solved by NSA

World Athletics is taking a hands-off approach on the row surrounding the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and its star pole vaulter EJ Obiena, saying the matter should be resolved by the federation through its existing rules.

In a letter to PATAFA president Philip Ella "Popoy" Juico dated February 10, World Athletics president Sebastian Coe clarified the international governing body's stance on the issue.

Coe said that the PATAFA-Obiena dispute is considered an "internal matter" while also encouraging all parties involved to settle the dispute in accordance with stated processes and procedures for resolving disputes in a member federation's constitution.

Coe emphasized that PATAFA is a member of World Athletics and as such is the sole governing body of athletics in the Philippines.

"Thank you for your letter of 28 January 2022 and details of the procedures undertaken by the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) Committee and of the Committee's Report dated 29 December 2021, as approved by the PATAFA Board of Trustees," the letter read.

"We can confirm that PATAFA has fulfilled its obligations of World Athletics membership in 2021, and details of PATAFA and its current office bearers are set out on the World Athletics website."

Coe also vouched for Juico, saying the longtime sports official has provided valuable input after being part of the World Athletics Governance & Integrity Reform Working Group and Values Commission.

"Dr. Philip Juico was also a member of World Athletics Governance & Integrity Reform Working Group and Values Commission and provided valuable input to support the implementation and promotion of these critical areas of work," Coe said.

"...which are fundamental to underpin our sport and the growth of athletics."

PATAFA recently said it is moving on from the issue with world no. 5 Obiena, but said it might still press for legal charges after the Olympian allegedly misuse funds.

PATAFA, for its part, welcomed the development with its chairman Rufus Rodriguez noting they should all work in harmony in order to put the issue to bed.

“We thank Lord Sebastian Coe who was once a Member of the British Parliament, for his succinct grasp of the issues and his very clear response regarding the work of PATAFA in upholding the values of World Athletics," Rodriguez said.

"This statement defines our working relationship with other sports stakeholders. We should be guided by it and work in harmony.”

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News