The governing body of world athletics, the IAAF, have confirmed that the new Athletics Association of Ireland (AAI) are affiliated members of their organisation. And, in a statement yesterday, the AAI said it had been formally recognised by the IAAF at a meeting in Monte Carlo on November 18th. It also said that, in the absence of a specific constitution, it has agreed to the interim adoption of the relevant handbook rules of the IAAF. The general secretary of the IAAF, Istvan Gyulai, said yesterday that not only are the AAI in good standing with the IAAF, but that his organisation is aware of the recent changes which have just taken place in Ireland, which saw BLE and the NACA merge to form a single governing body for the sport.

The Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI), however, say that the AAI must first forward their new constitution for approval by them (as BLE is defunct) before they are admitted to the Olympic family. "Absolutely, they (AAI) are affiliated and are a federation in good standing," said Gyulai. "We were informed about the changes, the new name and the substance of the changes. Our council recognised the new name at its last meeting to wide approval."

When asked whether the AAI had submitted their constitution for approval by the IAAF and whether this was an important consideration, he said it was not.

"The constitution, when done, is subject to approval," he said. "They are in good standing with us and we are happy to have them in the IAAF.