Despite my efforts to promote a positive Agenda and proposals for a brighter future for the sport, the ETTA  Chairman and Treasurer have made statements on the potential for conflict of interest which are not correct.  Although I have issued a statement on this subject previously, I believe that I have no alternative but to respond once again to their comments.

Both Martin Clark and Alex Murdoch have been implying that it is not acceptable to UK Sport or Sport England for anyone with a potential for conflict of interest to be in a position of authority in the national governing body.

The official position of both UK Sport and Sport England is detailed on their websites, which are:

http://www.uksport.gov.uk/assets/File/Generic_Template_Documents/Sports_Funding/resources_for_governing_bodies/MOD_Governance_Guide_ICSA_Full_Mar04.pdf (pages 14,15,16)
http://www.sportengland.org/conflicts_of_interest.pdf

This follows normal parliamentary procedure which permits members with business interests to sit on governing body boards or committees providing that they follow the rules appertaining to this.

This has always been the case since I joined National Council.  The ETTA Trade Committee was formed in 1991 to oversee fair play and carry out tenders procedures to ensure that all is correct.

A far more important point is that if I am elected as Chairman, the likelihood is that we would receive more money from government sources as I clearly have the skills to find the pots of gold and the know how to unlock them.  With the Olympics approaching, the potential is much greater than previously, although we have already missed out on some of the biggest ones with the disappointing awards offered to date. In my last period of office, I raised £27 million of new money from the various government sources and even since leaving the Chairmanship in 2003, have brought over £1 million to my club, Ormesby.

For Martin to imply that the funding may be effectively withdrawn is not correct.  In fact, the contrary is more likely in that with my management the effectiveness of the government investment will bring much more benefit to the sport than has been the case for the last six years.

The information that is provided by Alex Murdoch in his report does not comply with the statements made by Sport England and UK sport on their websites and that is what the official policy is.  As for the ITTF inference, the ITTF does not get involved in the governance of their member associations and, therefore, this is also misleading.  Please see my previous statement on my website: www.alanransome.com

Alan Ransome
20 February 2009.