ATHLETICS: The Athletes Commission, a body of current and former Olympic athletes set up to advise the Olympic Council of Ireland and now in dispute with the OCI, are to seek legal advice over what they claim is chairperson Terry McHugh's removal from his position.

McHugh, a director of the OCI, also claims he was told he could not attend the recent OCI a.g.m. in Dublin. Paul Donovan, secretary of the commission, was refused entry to the meeting, in the Burlington Hotel in September.

"Now the president of the OCI has refused to meet and discuss our differences and as he has allegedly pursued legal action, we are compelled to explore all legal options," said Donovan yesterday. "We are looking at the legality of the removal of the chairperson (McHugh) under the Companies Act and also exploring the proposal of using CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) as an arbitrator in the dispute."

The OCI stated at the a.g.m. they would not comment on the matter, claiming it was sub judice. This refusal, repeated again at Wednesday's Sydney review meeting, further angered the athletes, as OCI president Pat Hickey was extensively quoted in the Sunday Tribune on the issue and said an alternative commission would be set up before Christmas.

"We are very genuine in our efforts to create a body that speaks for the athletes," Hickey was quoted as saying. "But if you want to be part of any club you have to sign up to the rules. Terry is entitled to run again, but he knows the rules."

The current commission, however, has no intention of taking part in further elections, claiming McHugh was the democratically elected voice of Ireland's Olympic team. They also say they have broad support from current and former athletes.

"We were given an unhealthy dose of rhetoric before the presidential elections," said McHugh, referring to Hickey's win in the last presidential elections, adding that the OCI "has refused to even discuss athletes issues with the athletes from day one".