The National Olympic Commission issued a statement to respond to the recent allegations made by Fiodor Ghelici, head of the Civil Society Council under the president of Moldova, against NOC and particularly its president Nicolae Juravschi, dismissing Ghelici’s accusations of embezzlement as “attacks voiced in a vulgar language (...) absolutely unfounded and based entirely on brazen lies”.

A former Olympic champion, NOC president Nicolae Juravschi is also an MP, and NOC implied the accusations could be politically motivated.

“NOC is confused at the statements made on several occasions by the citizen Fiodor Ghelici that his actions were coordinated with Moldovan President Igor Dodon, and expects clarifications from the President’s Office. Meanwhile, NOC reserves itself the right to take legal action against anyone damaging, through their actions and allegations, (NOC’s) honor and dignity”.

At a press conference of Thursday, Ghelici said that the Civil Society Council has received lately a number of complaints from athletes and presidents of sport federations accusing Juravschi of embezzling funds and other resources destined for athletes. A number of NOC beneficiaries attending the conference backed the accounts.