ONE of the most influential figures in international sport officially stepped down yesterday from a powerful Olympic body as he fights forgery charges in Switzerland.

Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad al-Sabah had already announced he was “temporarily” stepping aside from his Olympic duties and asked not to be re-elected president of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC). But there was last-minute drama at the gathering in Tokyo as several representatives pushed for the Sheikh — the only candidate for ANOC president — to be re-elected anyway.

In chaotic scenes, delegate after delegate spoke to defend Sheikh Ahmad, arguing that he had become embroiled in a political affair that had nothing to do with sport and that was being played out in the courts.

“The ship of ANOC has been sailing rather smoothly and now is not the time to change the captain,” said the representative from Guyana.

After an unscheduled last-minute intervention from the Sheikh, delegates finally agreed to postpone the election for president while he sorts out his legal issues.

Officials admitted this was a “unique” situation and there was nothing in the organization’s constitution to deal with such a case.

(SD-Agencies)