The President of the Algerian Olympic Committee (COA) Mustapha Berraf has resigned from his post, bringing an end to a three-month impasse at the organization. Berraf, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) by virtue of his role as Head of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) had quit as COA President in February.
The 66-year-old – banned from leaving Algeria amid allegations of “squandering of public funds”, which he denies – said at the time he was “tired” of the “repeated attacks” against him and his family.
Berraf had been accused of financial mismanagement during his over 25-year reign as COA President by the Sports Ministry last year. A report from the Algerian sports ministry made damning allegations of doubtful contracts, suspicions of corruption, embezzlement and favouritism.
Berraf had continued to act as President of the COA despite resigning and represented the body on a call the IOC held with National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to discuss Tokyo 2020 in March.
Berraf said his resignation was “irreversible and irrevocable” after it was rejected by the COA Executive Committee. The COA confirmed that its Executive Committee had received and approved his formal resignation letter.
“Resigning from COA will allow me to be fully invested in my function as the President of ANOCA which, as you know, requires my total attention and efforts for the development of sport and Olympism in Africa,” Berraf said.
“This will also allow me to be at the disposal of my peers for a better future.”
COA first vice-president Mohamed Meridja has been appointed Acting President and will hold the position until an elective General Assembly takes place. The Algeria Olympic Committee was created on October 18, 1963, and recognized by the International Olympic Committee in January 27, 1964 on the occasion of the 62nd session held during the 9th Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria.
The beleagured Berraf still faces further allegations of mismanagement in his role as ANOCA President, while he is also the subject of an investigation by the IOC Ethics Commission. Two African NOCs have reportedly raised doubts over his continued eligibility as ANOCA President after leaving the COA.