Cram bid fails at first hurdle, says rival

ONE of the leading contenders to become the next chairman of UK Athletics has joined those questioning whether Steve Cram can occupy the role while remaining the BBC’s voice of athletics. Matt Yates, a former Olympian and European indoor champion over 1500m, was once a rival of Cram on the track and Sportsmail understands he is also on a shortlist of applicants that was being considered by a UKA selection panel yesterday. And Yates, a fierce anti-doping campaigner and close to some of the most influential figures in the sport, has followed former UKA chairman Ed Warner in voicing his concerns about Cram’s potential conflict of interest. ‘Can the chair be employed yed by one of UKA’s biggest partners?’ said Yates yesterday. ‘If it’s Steve’s intention to resign from his position at the BBC, and sever any links he might still have with Nike, then fine — he would be a very strong candidate to become chairman. ‘But if it’s his desire to occupy both roles I’d say that is a huge conflict con of interest. When the th TV deal comes up, is Cram going to take our o sport to Amazon, Sky S or another broadcaster b or simply favour fa the BBC when they the are his employers and income providers? ‘It concerns conc me he hasn’t yet clarified this when the process is reaching an advanced stage. We need transparency and communication. Cram has failed at the first hurdle by refusing to speak to the media regarding a very important position for our sport.’ Cram and the BBC have so far declined to comment.