Aouita in running battle with Moroccan federation

Morocco's former Olympic 5000m champion Said Aouita claimed Thursday he is at odds with the country's athletics federation, for whom he has been working as a coach developing future Olympic talent.

Aouita, a 5000m gold medal winner at the Los Angeles Games in 1984, said it has led to a "tense" climate which in turn has left him struggling to fulfil his mission.

He also indicated, without going further, that his serious approach to training, coupled with a strong stance against doping, was being met with resistance.

"It's a sad state of affairs," said Aouita, whose official role within the federation is technical director of athletics.

"It started after the creation of a body within the federation which has effectively reduced my prerogatives as principal technical director.

"I initially came here to train athletes in a serious and professional way. I also advocate a strong anti-doping stance. But unfortunately some people are preventing me from doing this.

"I get the impression that this new body (within the federation) is trying to push me out the door."

Also a former two-time world champion in the 5000m, in 1987 and 1989, Aouita said he has unearthed a few potential champions whom he would hope to lead to the London Olympics in 2012 and beyond.

However, despite pleas to federation bosses to allow him to develop his programme it appears Moroccan athletics chiefs have already decided his future.

Contacted by AFP, a spokesperson from the federation said relations with Aouita had reached a crossroads, adding: "... we are trying to find a solution towards finding an amicable separation with Aouita."