Lennon still awaits world gold prize money
Cheques sent to the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) by the games organising company, Jerez 2002 WEG, bounced in October.
EFI spokesman Colin McClelland confirmed two cheques sent to their offices had not been honoured by Spanish bank, Banco Espanol de Credito, and had been returned. The prize money totalled more than €57,000.
World champion Lennon is owed €23,714, while team-mates Kevin Babington and Peter Charles are due €16,722 each for their contribution to the team’s seventh-place finish. Eventer Jane O’Flynn earned 476 after placing best of the Irish in 20th.
Lennon was reticent when questioned yesterday about what can only be described as a disgraceful situation, but confirmed he had not been paid.
It is also thought that French riders are in a similar position, but this could not be confirmed.
McLelland said a delegation from the world governing body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) would meet representatives of the Spanish company next Monday and Tuesday in Spain in a bid to secure the money. The delegation will be made up of FEI Sports Director Irishman Michael Stone, Secretary General Bo Helander, Catrin Norinder of the FEI’s Eventing and Olympic Department and FEI Treasurer Guilherme Sarmento.
McLelland said the FEI had discounted speculation the Spanish company had gone into bankruptcy, the Swiss-based body explaining the company had a “tight deadline to pay some of their suppliers, which left them with no liquidity at the end of last year”. Crucially, he said the FEI would not commit to paying the prize money if the company defaulted in its obligation, saying it would be considered after Tuesday meeting.
Mr McClelland conceded the situation was an embarrassment to both the FEI and its Irish representatives.
