SVT Sports' publications about the Swedish Athletics Association's chairman Johan Storåkers, who during his time as chairman of the Stockholm Athletics Association received over SEK 600,000 - despite the fact that the assignment was basically non-profit and that the rest of the board was not informed - have led to hot feelings in athletics Sweden.
It became clear on Monday evening, when the Swedish Athletics Association had a digital meeting for the delegates who will be at the annual meeting.
The board candidates were then presented, and the delegates were given the opportunity to ask questions.
"Did not commit any wrongdoing"
By far the most questions and debate came around Johan Storåkers.
He himself took up the revelations that SVT Sport reported on, and then stated - just like the interviews with SVT Sport - that he did not do anything wrong legally.
- It is important, for the facts to be correct, to point out that I was not an employee or employee, with any employment contract.
Therefore, no statutory error has been committed in the Stockholm Athletics Association or the Swedish Athletics Association.
Sports lawyers in this matter distinguish between paid persons and employees, he said, and further developed:
- I received a fee for specific operational tasks and was, as I said, never employed.
Accused of violating paragraph
However, a number of critical voices were raised.
One of those who did so was Staffan Movin, chairman of A Swedish Classic and a member of the Swedish Athletics Association's international committee.
He asked Storåker if he considered that Storåker's actions were compatible with the values of athletics.
- I do not want to make an exact definition of what the values are.
But I would act in a different way in the future so that it will be a better value base with greater openness, Storåkers replied.
Movin then replied that Storåkers, if he did not act within the values, violates the portal section within both the Athletics Association's and the Swedish Sports Confederation's statutes, as these state that one must work with that sport's "business idea, vision and values".
Something that Storåkers did not agree with.
Also received support
Monday's meeting clarified, however, that the athletics association is currently very divided.
Johan Storåkers also received support from a number of people.
Among others, Jahja Zeqiraj, who recently resigned from the post as chairman of the Gothenburg Athletics Association, who wondered if it was a power struggle and said that the actions of a number of people at the meeting were undemocratic.
Instead, he wanted to thank Storåkers for the work he has done as chairman.
- I feel a little guilty, because I have not given you the support you need to do in a democratic organization, he said, and emphasized that he knows that Storåkers has worked hard for the best of athletics.