'BRIBERY' CASE PUTS CANOEING IN SPOTLIGHT

Local body claims it's a 'misunderstanding', conducting independent review of process

- Melvyn Teoh

Singapore's canoeing fraternity has been rocked by controversy ahead of the Dec 9-20 SEA Games, after allegations emerged that a former senior official had offered bribes to national athletes to pull out of an event.

The Straits Times understands that the ex-official from the Singapore Canoe Federation (SCF) had in early August approached an athlete who is part of the 14-member SEA Games squad with a proposition.

He allegedly offered to pay the kayaker between $50,000 and $60,000 to pull out of a SEA Games event to allow another athlete to take his spot. According to sources, the former had been directed to do so by another ex-senior official from the federation.

When the athlete refused, the first former official then allegedly tried to offer the incentive to another team member, who also turned it down.

An individual with knowledge of the incident told ST that he was "quite shocked" by the sum of money that was being offered.

The incident came to light in August when a complaint was made to the SCF, which subsequently conducted an inquiry.

In a written reply to ST's queries, the SCF said that it had "looked into the matter" when the allegations were made known.