‘Jakhar has no mandate to represent VFI in Pro Volleyball case’

Parliamentarian Anil Agarwal, president of the Volleyball Federation of India faction recognised by the Indian Olympic Association, has challenged the authority of Ramavtar Jhakhar to represent the VFI in the arbitration proceeding in the Pro Volleyball League dispute with Baseline Ventures.

Baseline Ventures, among India’s leading sports and talent management companies, is contesting a legal battle against arbitrary suspension of the Pro Volleyball league commercial rights by VFI secretary Jakhar.

Jakhar had presented a PWC document to allege misrepresentation in the Baseline Ventures’ accounts and terminated the contract. The international auditors had though submitted that the document was not an audited report on the company’s accounts. Baseline Ventures while contesting the allegation had presented a duly audited report by Deloitte to the single arbitrator, Justice (Retd) K Kannan.

The company had also submitted that it was no more interested in restoration of the Pro Volleyball rights since the league has suffered irreparable damage, while arbitration to determine damages and compensation is still on where Jakhar represents the VFI.

Now in a letter to the arbitrator, Agarwal has challenged Jakhar’s authority to contest the case on behalf of the VFI. Agarwal has further argued that Jakhar’s term as the VFI secretary has ended in April 2020. He did not contest elections after that. Hence, he cannot be involved in functioning of the VFI or be a part of the federation’s top decision making body.

“Terminating the Pro Volleyball League was the decision of the erstwhile VFI, led by Jakhar. He is still representing the federation illegally as he is not mandated to do so. He should have given you status of on his legal position. But I am sure he did not bother to inform this arbitration panel,” Agarwal has stated in the letter to the arbitrator. SportzFront is in possession of a copy of the letter.

Two different factions have contested the VFI elections. The results are withheld by the court and a dispute over the right to run the VFI is pending in the Madras High Court. Agarwal has submitted that the new executive board that will take charge of the VFI shall be the right authority to represent the federation for all purposes.

Also read: Baseline Ventures not interested in League; seeks multi-crore compensation

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