AOC boss John Coates fires back on bullying and corruption allegations ahead of vote

AUSTRALIAN Olympic Committee boss John Coates says he is the victim of “co-ordinated and vindictive campaign” to have him ousted from his presidency.

AUSTRALIAN Olympic Committee boss John Coates says he is the victim of “co-ordinated and vindictive campaign” to have him ousted from his presidency.

In a two-page letter written to national sports chiefs, the AOC executive and Athletes’ Commission, Mr Coates vehemently rejected allegations made by the organisation’s former chief executive Fiona De Jong there was a culture of “bullying” at the AOC.

He also dismissed a Fairfax report alleging that he behaved corruptly, which he described as defamatory, false and “maliciously” published.

AOC President John Coates. Picture: Getty Images

“On the eve of the election for President, there is clearly a co-ordinated and sadly vindictive campaign to damage me personally and to tarnish all that has been achieved at the AOC,” Coates writes. “This campaign is as disappointing as it is unfounded.”

In the letter obtained by the Daily Telegraph Coates dismisses claims that there has been a “lack of action” when complaints of bullying in the workplace have been made.

“Specifically regarding the complaint made by Fiona De Jong I assure you due process has been followed and followed with urgency”.

The letter John Coates sent to all Australian Olympic Committee members.

The letter John Coates sent to all Australian Olympic Committee members.

Mr Coates Pavilion at the Penrith Regatta Centre.

Last weekend Ms De Jong spoke out about an incident with AOC media director Mike Tancred. While not going into detail about the incident, after she formally and confidentially complained to Mr Coates, Ms De Jong said Mr Tancred called her. “He said, ‘Fiona, withdraw the complaint or I will bury you’. She also alleges Tancred then issued a highly detailed and personal threat.

Ms De Jong said she heard nothing from the AOC after lodging her complaint four months ago but Mr Coates maintains it had been followed up with “urgency”. Mr Coates writes in the letter he “immediately” referred to the complaint to AOC lawyers to investigate and respond. But he also admits the AOC complaints process while already “impartial and rigorous” can be improved and will be suggesting at a meeting this week that “independent experts” now become standard part of resolving disputes.

Mr Coates said the executive will meet this week but it not a “crisis meeting” rather a “sensible discussion” to work out who the complainant is.

Former Olympic Hockey gold medallist Danni Roche is Mr Coates’ primary threat. Picture: Ian Currie

He has sought legal advice for damages in relations to a Fairfax article which implied he had acted corruptly.

Mr Coates’ 27-year-old hold on the AOC president’s role is under threat from Olympic gold medallist and finance executive Danni Roche who has campaigned strongly. The AOC election is on May 6.