CCI orders probe against Athletics Federation of India

NEW DELHI: The Competition Commission of India ( CCI) has ordered probe against Athletics Federation of India ( AFI), the apex body for athletics in the country, for an alleged abuse of its dominant position.

The AFI, that’s funded by the government of India, had recently made it mandatory for all state bodies, its officials and athletes to take AFI permission before organising any marathons. In case of non-compliance of orders, AFI said it would take action against athletes.

“It appears that by virtue of its dominance in the relevant market, AFI is trying to impose discriminatory conditions like mandatory permission for conducting national and international marathon meets and it is thereby restricting the entry of new entrants into the relevant market,” the Competition regulator has said in its order.

The AFI selects the indian athletics teams for various international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, CWG, IAAF World Championships, Asian Championships and other international meets.

Ironically, ministry of youth affairs and sports had complained to CCI about AFI’s discriminatory policies.