The CSD urges the Royal Spanish Olympic Shooting Federation to “immediately” dismiss its president

The Higher Sports Council (CSD) has urged the Royal Spanish Olympic Shooting Federation to “immediately” dismiss its president, Miguel Francés, who was convicted in a final sentence for a crime of misappropriation.

“The Higher Sports Council expresses its deepest indignation at the decision of the Royal Spanish Olympic Shooting Federation to convene its ordinary General Assembly this Saturday, December 13, without including in the agenda the execution of the final conviction against its president, Miguel Francés, declared the author of a continuing crime of misappropriation,” it said in a statement.

Furthermore, the body chaired by José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes stressed that in response to a formal request from the CSD, the Provincial Court of Asturias confirmed on November 26 the finality of the sentence that imposes on Francés “two years in prison and special disqualification from holding positions in sports federations during the time of his sentence.”

“In light of this judicial resolution, the CSD recalls that article 60.6 of the Sports Law establishes that “when the person holding the presidency or any member of the board of directors of a federation or professional league is convicted by a final sentence, they must leave office immediately, notifying the Higher Sports Council of such circumstance,” he noted.

He also remembers that this warning “was communicated in person to the president of the Royal Spanish Olympic Shooting Federation as soon as the finality of the sentence became known”, urging him “to immediately abandon his position”; as well as to the general secretary of the Royal Spanish Olympic Shooting Federation through a letter sent on December 11, the date on which the CSD “found that the agenda of the General Assembly did not contemplate the dismissal of Miguel Francés.”

“The CSD considers it inadmissible for a person convicted – where appropriate, for a crime that directly attacks integrity and ethics in sports management – to attempt to remain in the presidency of a federation. The CSD reiterates its request to the Royal Spanish Olympic Shooting Federation to execute the final sentence and ensure full compliance with current legislation, reserving the right to adopt the measures it deems appropriate in the exercise of its powers. Spanish sport deserves exemplary leaders, committed to transparency and with a sense of responsibility,” he concluded.