May 29, 2007, to Mr. Milos Sarcev, C/o Koloseum Gym, 1101 South Placentia Avenue, Fullerton, CA, 92831 USA.
Sent by e-mail to milos@milossarcev.com and to milossarcev@gmail.com and by International Courier
IFBB PRO LEAGUE DECISION
IN THE MATTER OF YOUR CONDUCT
DURING THE BODYBUILDING COMPETITION AT THE ASIAN GAMES,
DOHA, QATAR, DECEMBER 8-9, 2006
1. On January 3, 2007, the Pro League notified you that, on receiving letters of complaint from Mr. Paul Chua, IFBB Executive Assistant to the President, IFBB Vice President for Asia and Secretary-General of the Asian BodyBuilding Federation (ABBF), and Mr. Walter van den Branden (Netherlands), President of the Netherlands Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation and IFBB International Judge, it had appointed an ad hoc Pro Disciplinary Committee to investigate your conduct during the Bodybuilding competition at the Asian Games, which were held in Doha, Qatar, on December 8-9, 2006.
2. The Committee notes that you were present at the Doha Asian Games as coach of Malaysian athletes Mr. Sazali Abd Samad, who placed 2nd in the 65 Kg category on December 8, 2006, and Mr. Tiaw Teck Leong, who placed 4th in the 80 Kg category on December 9, 2006.
3. In his December 11, 2006 complaint, Mr. Chua claims that, on or about December 8-9, 2006, dissatisfied with the placings of Mr. Samad and Mr. Leong, you made statements in a public forum; specifically, to journalists and/or reporters, which were then circulated throughout Asia by various news outlets (including Reuters), that he [Mr. Chua] fixed the results of the Bodybuilding competition at the Doha Asian Games.
4. In his December 13, 2006 complaint, Mr. van den Branden claims that, on or about December 8-11, 2006, you made statements in a public forum; specifically, at the competition venue site and at the Doha International Airport, that he [Mr. van den Branden] received money to manipulate the results of the Bodybuilding competition at the Doha Asian Games.
5. Since the burden of proof rests with you, the Committee provided you with two opportunities, on January 3, 2007, and again, on February 13, 2007, to submit factual evidence to support your allegations of wrongdoing against Mr. Chua and Mr. van den Branden. On both occasions, you failed to respond as requested and therefore, on March 5, 2007, you were provisionally suspended in conformity with Pro Rule 9.11 (Provisional Suspensions).
6. On April 30, 2007, in conformity with Pro Rule 10.1 (Hearings), you participated in a hearing by teleconference call, at which time the Committee asserted that you violated Pro Rules 9.5 (Contest or Judging Decisions) and 9.6 (Public Statements) and clauses 5, 8, 10, 16 and 17 of the Pro Code of Ethics.
7. You did not deny making statements to the media accusing Mr. Chua of fixing the results of the Bodybuilding competition at the Doha Asian Games. You did deny making statements accusing Mr. van den Branden of receiving money to manipulate the results at the same competition.
8. With respect to the issue of proof; specifically, factual evidence to support your allegations of wrongdoing against Mr. Chua and Mr. van den Branden; you admitted to having none. Despite the lack of proof, you refused to withdraw your statements and to apologize to Mr. Chua and to Mr. van den Branden.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE
9. The Committee finds that you did falsely accuse, in a public forum, Mr. Paul Chua and Mr. Walter van den Branden of wrongdoing; specifically, of fixing the results and/or of receiving money to manipulate the results of the Bodybuilding competition at the Doha Asian Games.
10. The Committee further finds that your conduct was a violation of Pro Rules 9.5 and 9.6 and clauses 5, 8, 10, 16 and 17 of the Pro Code of Ethics, and that such conduct was prejudicial to the IFBB Pro League, the IFBB and the aforementioned officials.
11. The Committee recommends that you be suspended for a period of one year.
FINAL DECISION
12. It is the final decision of the IFBB Pro League that you be suspended for a period of one year, from December 8, 2006 to December 8, 2007.
13. In conformity with Pro Rule 9.3 (Suspension Conditions), while under suspension you may not compete, give exhibitions or seminars, judge, officiate or otherwise participate in an official capacity at any IFBB Pro League competition.
14. It is also the decision of the IFBB Pro League that you immediately cease and desist from any and all further attacks, public or otherwise (including Internet websites), against Mr. Chua, Mr. van den Branden, the IFBB and/or any of its officials, failing which further disciplinary measures may be imposed, including expulsion from the IFBB Pro League.
15. Pursuant to Pro Rule 10.2 (Appeals), you have the right to appeal this decision within ten days of the date of the decision, failing which the right of appeal is lost.
This report is signed below by the Secretary of the ad hoc Pro Disciplinary Committee on behalf of, and with the approval of, all members of said Committee.
- Tony Blinn, Secretary, Pro Disciplinary Committee
- Jim Rockell, Member, Pro Disciplinary Committee
- Steve Weinberger, Member, Pro Disciplinary Committee
- cc. Jim Manion, Chairman, IFBB Professional League
- cc. Stephen R. Stern, Legal Counsel, IFBB Professional League
