Saif Saaeed Shaheen/Stephen Cherono what is his PROBLEM?

As it is every year, the cross race this weekend is an IAAF permit meeting. That means it's open to anyone who chooses to compete, although it never draws much of a crowd outside of Kenyans, in addition to a few Tanzanians and the ocassional European who happens to be training in Kenya at the time. With the exception of Chiba and Nairobi, the entire IAAF schedule takes place in Europe. Chiba is poorly attended because of it's location, and likewise Nairobi, plus it doesn't draw much of an outside field since, let's face it, how many athletes want to go run Ngong at altitude outnumbered by Kenyans 100 to 1?

I doubt that Mr. Okeyo "wants" him there, but it is an open meeting.

Kenyan Federation gave of sure the release for allowing both Cherono and Chepkurui to compete in World Championships. It was the Minister Balala himself to push AK in this direction, as the agreement for the new Stadium (that officially was closed only one month ago, but really the negotiation started from April 2003) can clearify to everyone, NOW. Another thing : it's better to know the rules, before speaking. After giving a release for an official IAAF competition, is not possible to come back. So, there's not a release for an event : or an athlete is allowed to compete FROM A CERTAIN DAY till the end of his career, or IS NOT ALLOWED, and has to await for 3 years, following the rules. So, no problems about Shaheen and Hassan for every type of World and Asian Championship : they are always allowed to compete, after running in Paris. Different is the case of Olympics, because in this case not only IAAF is involved, but CIO, with its rules.

So, we have to await for seeing what can happen.

And, about Okeyo, he is not unhappy about the defection of Shaheen and Hassan, because well knows the advantages that can arrive to Kenya from Qatar. In March, I can explain the real agreement, that is a good way for supporting Kenyan activity helping the most important tank of runners in the world to develop their best runners.