AAI Issue Statement on CCPC Finding
Athletics Ireland Statement on Competition & Consumer Protection Commission Finding
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Athletics Ireland Statement - October 25th 2023
Competition & Consumer Protection Commission Finding
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) have recently investigated the Athletic Association of Ireland (AAI) following complaints received regarding alleged anti-competitive practices by AAI in their partnership with Eventmaster in the establishment of the One Day Licence in recreational running events
Athletics Ireland is delighted to confirm that the CCPC has not found evidence of anti-competitive practice associated with the AAI and has endorsed the evidence, cooperation, and engagement of Athletics Ireland throughout this process
Athletics Ireland CEO, Hamish Adams notes “We welcome this review by the CCPC and note the finding endorsing our tender, contracting and engagement process. This finding validates the diligence and professionalism we have shown throughout the One Day Licence development process. The CCPC has endorsed our internal process and advises us to continue to display such professionalism going forward with three low level recommendations 1. vigilant tender processes, 2. engagement and feedback with stakeholders and 3. as confirmed to the CCPC that the AAI will not place any restrictions on AAI members running in non-permitted races in the State and will not restrict the holding of non-permitted road races in the State.”
The establishment of the €2 One Day Licence paid by non-members in all AAI permitted recreational events has been instrumental in supporting the incredible performances of our international coaches and athletes in 2023. All funds generated from this new revenue stream are ring-fenced for the high-performance programme. We aspire to develop additional revenue streams to continue to support our high-performance programme into the future
Athletics Ireland thanks all stakeholders for their feedback, support, and engagement during this process
End of Statement
The statement does not disclose the CCPC findings. Preplexingly, the statement says "We welcome this review by the CCPC and note the finding endorsing our tender, contracting and engagement process", however AAI CEO Hamish Adams told a Zoom meeting of Cork Athletics County Board, in late 2022, that there was no tender issued for the One Day Levy
No mention has been made of the legal case, under which AAI, at it's Congress in Tullamore last April, decreed that no discussion on the One Day Levy would be allowed at Congress, as the matter is "Sub Judice". The outcome of that case is still awaited
