Unease as Coe backs Usain tie-up

ATHLETICS’ world governing body may become business partners with Usain Bolt and his agent, Ricky Simms. A spokesman for the IAAF has confirmed that ‘high level discussions’ have taken place with regard to becoming a stakeholder in Nitro Athletics, the series designed to boost the popularity of the sport by fielding mixed-sex teams. Bolt and Simms are already stakeholders in a business created by former athlete John Steffensen and Athletics Australia. Bolt took a team to the event in Melbourne in February. Lord Coe, the IAAF president, considers it a concept the governing body should back as it battles to improve its image. But leading officials in the sport have raised eyebrows and one senior source said there was ‘concern at a potential conflict of interest’ when it is the IAAF’s responsibility to make sure athletes are not undermining the integrity of the sport. The IAAF argue no agreement would be reached while Bolt is still competing.