BRATISLAVA – The case surrounding the organization of the Senior World Championships in white water canoeing is gaining momentum. In this context, the police are investigating a company whose manager at the time of the crime was the manager of famous athletes. For example, he also represents Petra Vlhová. The manager commented on the criminal prosecution. You kicked the officials.
The editors of topky.sk managed to find out that the police started a criminal investigation in November in connection with the organization of the Senior World Championships in whitewater canoeing, which were held in Čunov in September 2021. In this context, the police are investigating the company that was supposed to provide the athletes with accommodation and food through another company, resulting in damage of up to hundreds of thousands of euros.
The managers of the company that the police are to investigate are RG and IC. According to our information, the manager of RG is the manager of well-known personalities such as Petra Vlhová. The police confirmed the prosecution. A specific person has not yet been charged. “In connection with the case you mentioned, a criminal prosecution was initiated by the investigator of the District Directorate of the Police Force in Bratislava III in the matter of the criminal offense of breach of duty in the management of someone else’s property. The charge against a specific person has not yet been brought, nor has the final amount of the damage been determined. As part of the investigation, performed the necessary actions in accordance with the law with the aim of properly clarifying the matter.Detailed information taking into account the current stage of the proceedings it is possible to provide the case,” Michal Szeiff, spokesman for the Regional Directorate of the Bratislava Police Force, confirmed for topky.sk.
Vlhova’s manager called
Vlhová’s manager decided to respond to the case and apologized to the athlete’s entire family. At the same time, however, he kicked the officials of the Slovak Whitewater Canoeing Association. “First of all, I would like to apologize to Petra and the Vlhov family, that through my person they are negatively involved in huge problems in Canoeing on the wild water, where this week the elections for the governing bodies of the union will be held, which also includes this personal “fight for everything” by the Stanovský family, which has been managing this union for the past three years. The fight against the former leadership, athletes and people who prevent them from manipulating elections or disagree with the transfer of the renovated area in Čunov with state funds, our rowing jewel, from the union to the private civic association of Miroslav Stanovský, the brother of the president of the union, in which they do not shy away from any practice to intimidate their opponents, including targeted criminal reports, which they use to cover up their huge mistakes against athletes, coaches and the organization itself ” Vlhová’s manager noted in the statement for topky.sk.
The chairman of the wild waters section of Slovak Canoeing does not want to get involved in the conflict. “We don’t quite understand why Mr. Galovič explains his problems and failures by pointing the finger at someone else. Although we could kick him now, we will not do it. In our opinion, scandals and accusations through the media only damage the reputation of canoeing. We must with all seriousness respect that this is the domain of the law enforcement authorities. We will therefore be fully involved in the investigation of the handling of the former leadership of Slovak Canoeing with state funds co-operative,” noted in a statement for topky.sk.
Vlhová’s manager explained why he did so
Vlhová’s manager also admitted in his statement that as the chairman of the Organizing Committee he bears absolute direct responsibility, not only for the success of the organization, but also for all potential problems and “I was always ready to clarify any possible “irregularity” at the request of the control body of the union, the Executive Committee, the entire General Assembly of the Wild Waters Section of Slovak Canoeing, or the Chief Sports Controller. However, in the three years since the World Championships, I have not been asked to provide such an “explanation” only once, such an agenda was never officially discussed by the Executive Committee or the Disciplinary Commission union…” he added in the opinion.
He also explained why, when procuring accommodation, he did not directly contact the company where the participants were accommodated. “In connection with the organization of accommodation and catering during the championship, I would like to point out that the fact that foreign participants in the event pay for their accommodation and catering are not assets of the association, and it also did not cost our association a single euro. Considering the then current covid restrictions however, the organization of these services was organized for the first time in the history of the World Cup through joint accommodation of event participants in one “hermetically” sealed and tested place, and thus due to the huge scope of activity and huge responsibility with almost 1000 guests, or the need to pay financial advances for reservations and the associated financial risks in the event of possible non-fulfillment of the ordered accommodation capacities, we entrusted this activity to a professional agency with which the union cooperated for a long time on the basis of a selection process extensive activity lasting several months, no previous experience, personnel equipment, and also no financial resources to pay all reservation fees months before event. Of course, we did not get rid of this agenda completely free of charge, as we agreed with the agency that if no catastrophic circumstances arise, the agency, as the official partner of the event, will pay for the accommodation, meals and transfers of the entire Organizing Committee, technical staff, international referees or protocol guests. which we considered to be a fair agreement that was demonstrably implemented. Of course, foreign expeditions paid for these services separately. I continuously informed the Executive Committee of the union about all these facts and plans,” he stated.
He hoped they would resolve the situation internally. “I thought that we could solve this electoral animosity and defamation internally within the movement. However, today I see that this is not about an objective debate and facts, but about preserving the current “system of power”, as the current leadership calls it, at any cost, where a few people who have never contributed anything fundamental have stolen the union and refuse any confrontation for an objective election contest. above all, the chairman Martin Stanovský senior, his son, general secretary Martin Stanovský junior, and his brother Miroslav Stanovský, investment manager, for an open debate accessible to all, which will contribute to the clarification of all ambiguities on any side for the benefit of our wonderful sport.” added Vlhová’s manager at the end.
(As Jimmy Carr) Ah, canoeing, the sport of choice for those who like to paddle around in circles while wondering what they’ve done wrong in life. (Chuckles) And now, it seems, the whitewater canoeing community is in hot water, or should I say, cold water, over some allegations of financial irregularities during the Senior World Championships.
(As Rowan Atkinson) Ah, the thrill of canoeing! The rush of adrenaline as you navigate the treacherous waters! The suspense of not knowing whether you’ll make it to the other side without getting completely soaked! (In a Mr. Bean-esque voice) And, of course, the inevitable disappointment when you realize you’ve spent all your money on waterproof gear and there’s not enough left for a nice cup of tea afterwards.
(As Ricky Gervais) Ah, the politics of canoeing! It’s like a bad soap opera, except instead of pretty people shagging each other in the garden, it’s middle-aged men arguing about who gets to be the boss of the canoeing club. (Sarcastically) Oh, the thrill!
(As Lee Evans) You know, I was at a canoeing competition once, and I saw this guy, he was going so fast, he was like a human torpedo! (Mimes canoeing motion) Then he hit a rock and went flying. (Laughs) Ah, good times!
Anyway, back to the scandal at hand. It seems the manager of the company in charge of organizing the World Championships has been accused of financial irregularities, to the tune of hundreds of thousands of euros. Ouch! That’s like… well, I don’t know what it’s like, but it sounds like a lot of money!
The manager in question, RG, has responded by apologizing to the entire Vlhová family and kicking the officials of the Slovak Whitewater Canoeing Association. (In a mock outraged tone) How dare they question his honesty! Doesn’t he have a reputation to uphold?
(As Jimmy Carr) Ah, but it gets even better! RG has also claimed that the officials of the canoeing association are trying to cover up their own “huge mistakes” by targeting him. (Sarcastically) Oh, it’s a classic move! Accuse the accusers! It’s like a game of Whack-a-Mole, except instead of moles, it’s middle-aged men with canoes!
(As Rowan Atkinson) Ah, but what about poor Petra Vlhová? How’s she going to deal with all this drama? (In a Mr. Bean-esque voice) I hope she doesn’t get too distracted and fall out of her canoe…
(As Ricky Gervais) You know, I think this whole scandal is just a reflection of the state of the sport. Canoeing: where the excitement is artificially created by throwing water on the participants and the excitement is artificially suppressed by involving middle-aged men in tracksuits.
(As Lee Evans) You know, I’ve got an idea! Why don’t we just have a reality TV show about canoeing? We can call it “Canoe-gate: The Drama, the Thrills, the Scandals”! (Laughs) We can have RG and the officials arguing with each other, and Petra Vlhová trying to navigate the treacherous waters of her reputation… Ah, it’ll be a ratings smash!
(As Jimmy Carr) Ah, well, until next time, folks… when we’ll undoubtedly have another thrilling episode of Canoeing-gate… (Smirks)
Here is the rewritten article:
BRATISLAVA – A high-profile investigation is gaining momentum in the Slovakian sports world, as police probe the organization of the 2021 Senior World Championships in whitewater canoeing. The championships, held in Čunov, have been marred by allegations of financial mismanagement, with damages potentially reaching hundreds of thousands of euros.
According to our sources, the police investigation, launched in November, is centered on a company that was contracted to provide accommodations and food for athletes during the championships. The company, managed by RG and IC, allegedly failed to deliver on its obligations, resulting in significant financial losses. RG’s manager, who also represents Slovakian skiing sensation Petra Vlhová, has come under scrutiny for his role in the debacle.
The police have confirmed the investigation, but have yet to press charges against any individuals. “In connection with the case you mentioned, a criminal prosecution was initiated by the investigator of the District Directorate of the Police Force in Bratislava III in the matter of the criminal offense of breach of duty in the management of someone else’s property,” said Michal Szeiff, spokesman for the Regional Directorate of the Bratislava Police Force. “The charge against a specific person has not yet been brought, nor has the final amount of the damage been determined. As part of the investigation, we have performed the necessary actions in accordance with the law with the aim of properly clarifying the matter.”
Vlhová’s Manager Responds to Allegations
In a statement, Vlhová’s manager apologized to the athlete and her family for any negative attention resulting from the investigation. However, he also lashed out at officials from the Slovak Whitewater Canoeing Association, accusing them of engaging in a “personal fight” against him and other opponents of the current leadership. “The fight against the former leadership, athletes, and people who prevent them from manipulating elections or disagree with the transfer of the renovated area in Čunov with state funds… has been ongoing for three years,” he said.
The chairman of the wild waters section of Slovak Canoeing declined to comment on the conflict, stating that “scandals and accusations through the media only damage the reputation of canoeing.” Instead, he emphasized the importance of respecting the law enforcement authorities’ investigation into the handling of state funds.
Vlhová’s Manager Explains His Actions
In a detailed statement, Vlhová’s manager explained his role in organizing the championships and the decisions he made regarding accommodations and catering. He claimed that he had entrusted the organization of these services to a professional agency, citing the complexity of the task and the need to minimize financial risks. “I continuously informed the Executive Committee of the union about all these facts and plans,” he said.
He also expressed his hope that the situation could be resolved internally, without the need for external intervention. “I thought that we could solve this electoral animosity and defamation internally within the movement,” he said. “However, today I see that this is not about an objective debate and facts, but about preserving the current ‘system of power’ at any cost.”
