The governing body for the modern pentathlon have been accused of ignoring their own rules, after approving the introduction of an obstacle race into the event. The sport came into dispute at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, following controversy surrounding the horse riding event.
As a result, German competitor Annika Schleu was unable to keep control of her horse during their performance, leaving the Olympian in tears in the Tokyo arena. Schleu's coach then took frustrations out on the horse, after appearing to punch the animal.
Following the drama, the event has since been dropped by the sport's governing body - the UIPM - which will come into effect after the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In its place the UIPM have introduced the obstacle race into the dispute, but the decision has not been well received. This comes after Inside The Games revealed that at least four national federations have filed complaints against the new discipline.
Claiming the decision broke the governing body's own rules, a statement on behalf of the complainers said: "UIPM Motion 2 (to insert competition guidelines for obstacle racing) was also invalid and unconstitutional, because the UIPM Statutes expressly preclude the General Assembly from amending the Competition Rules in any year other than an Olympic Year unless there is a case of force majeure."
"The UIPM conceded at Congress that 2022 is not an Olympic Year and conceded that there were no grounds for force majeure ."
As well as being accused of ignoring objections, they allegedly also wrongfully passed several motions to amend its statues invalidly.
The accusations do not stop there, after the UIPM also allegedly allowed ineligible voters to vote on the decision. The criticism added: "It appears that 10 of the members present at Congress may not be recognised by their National Olympic Committee as the governing body for modern pentathlon in their country, despite that requirement being a key criteria for membership under Article 6 of the statutes."
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Defending their actions, a spokesperson for the governing body said: "UIPM notes the receipt of complaints from four National Federations in relation to the 72nd UIPM Congress.
"This was an extraordinary Congress, a fully democratic exercise streamed live online for maximum transparency and certified by a notary public. UIPM will make no further comment at this time."
