IAAF’s name plan to repair reputation

AThLeTICS’ governing body, the IAAF, is considering a name change in an attempt to overhaul its tainted reputation.

The IAAF name was dragged through the mud two years ago when it was revealed disgraced former president Lamine Diack collaborated with Russian drugs cheats.

Current president Lord Coe has repaired some of the damage from Diack’s regime with a reform programme, but the IAAF name has sunk so low that some within the federation believe a fresh title such as World Athletics would help market the sport.

The IAAF will consider all branding issues this year with a possible name change on the agenda, especially as what IAAF stands for is not widely known outside athletics — the International Association of Athletics Federations.

The sport still has to cope with the fall-out from the full disclosure of Diack’s actions, which have yet to reach court. he is currently under house arrest in Paris. There is also an international arrest warrant for his son Papa. he remains a fugitive in his native Senegal, who will not agree to his extradition.

When Diack was arrested in Paris, his son was on the runway in Dakar on a flight bound for Paris. Papa was quickly off the plane and has not risked leaving Senegal since. IT SEEMED remarkable that Sky could announce a revamped Soccer AM — the breakfast programme will include former Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard — without mentioning the departure of excellent presenter Helen Chamberlain, the original ladette, after 22 years. But Sky say Chamberlain (above), whose contract was not renewed, did not want any fanfare. AThLeTeS are concerned about the number of people who have gained access to the practice track at the London Stadium. The area is swarming with agents, team delegates and friends and family, forcing runners to dodge idle spectators crossing the lanes as they warm up. OLYMPICS president Thomas Bach’s decision to go on holiday after only attending the first weekend of the World Athletics Championships did not break any IOC obligations. But his absence was all the more conspicuous because his predecessor Jacques Rogge is staying on a lot longer.