The European Shooting Confederation (ESC) has re-elected Alexander Ratner at its helm during the General Assembly held in Yerevan on October 25. The Russian leader has therefore begun a second presidential termwhich will run until 2029.Another candidate in this election is Karoliina Nissinen.However, he issued strong criticisms regarding the conduct of the campaign and the election.
« Throughout the presidential campaign, all official ESC communication channels were apparently used exclusively to promote Mr. Ratner's candidacy. Information about my campaign has been completely blocked.My name wasn't even mentioned in the official announcements regarding the election. ", she wrote in a letter seen by Francs JeuxTwo days before the vote, an article devoted to Alexander Ratner's program was indeed published on the ESC website, but no similar content was published to present the proposals of the other candidate, neither in the days nor in the weeks preceding the General Assembly.
« Several member federations that had openly expressed their support for my candidacy have reported difficulties accessing the online voting systemwhile others, aligned with the Russian position, did not appear to encounter such obstacles. Other evidence suggests that there was coordinated action to ensure Mr. Ratner's election., continues Karoliina Nissinen, a respected figure in the world of sport shooting, who runs the ISSF Academy. The most shocking moment occurred just before the vote. According to several delegates willing to testify, The outgoing president, Mr. Ratner, publicly promised 200.000 euros to each member federation, for a total of more than 23 million euros. »
The money reportedly came from businessman Vladimir Lisin, who also happens to be vice-president of the Russian Olympic Committee. ESC's governance and financial management lack transparency and responsibility. No one knows where the millions of euros that Mr. Ratner claims came from his Russian benefactor actually went. No one has seen these funds, and no official sponsorship agreement was ever communicated to the member federations to confirm the existence or purpose of these revenues. " denounces the candidate defeated 56 votes to 37.
« What happened is not just about an election, she believes. These books are to know whether European sport will remain independent and ethical, or whether it will be bought and controlled by interests linked to a state currently suspended from international competitions due to the war in Ukraine. This appears to be part of a broader effort by Russian interests to regain influence over international sports federations and return to the Olympic Games through financial power rather than legitimate reform and participation. Therefore, I am publicly and urgently calling on the IOC and the ISSF to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter. »
She says she is ready to testify, like other delegates, and to provide evidence. The ISSF did not respond to our requests for comment.
