PtG Article 09.05.2006

Goijman gives up appealing Volleygate verdict

Mario Goijman has given up on his plans to appeal the verdict in the Volleygate case where FIVB president Ruben Acosta and former financial controller Franz Schmied were cleared of charges of intentionally deceiving the FIVB Congress. Instead Goijman is standing for election to the FIVB Board of Adminstration.

Because the judge's verdict clearly stated that an "objective falsification" had taken place, Goijman expressed his clear intention to appeal the verdict just after the court case in March.

This intention has now been withdrawn due to legal matters, Goijman explains in a press release.

"After having collected all information from my legal advisors and other experts it has been confirmed to me that only the direct damaged parties (FIVB or national federations) or the Official Procurator are allowed to appeal."

The fight continues

Goijman continues his battle for transparency, democracy, honesty and dignity in volleyball in the Civil Court as well as inside the FIVB.

The Civil Court in Switzerland has called a hearing next week to consider Goijman's claim that decisions taken by the FIVB bodies against him should be annulled.

In May 2003 Goijman was expelled from the FIVB Board of Administration and permanently banned from FIVB organised volleyball at national, continental and world levels.

Goijman obviously expects the Civil Court to back his claim, as he has also announced his official candidacy for the elections to the FIVB Board of Administration in the press release.