The Canadian has been head for 14 years of the ITTF, which has 217 members, making it one of the biggest Federations in the world.

But Bosi, President of the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU), has accused Sharara of an abuse of power and misuse of ITTF funds.

The main allegations are linked to Sharara's involvement in a company that provides funding to the ITTF and his role in a not-for-profit sports organisation in Ottawa, Canada, and an ITTF real-estate investment, also in Ottawa.

Bosi has claimed the Egyptian-born Sharara has breached the Olympic Charter by mixing personal and ITTF interests, and is calling for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to investigate him.

Bosi's claims that Sharara has acted improperly through his directorship of TMS, the sport's official marketing company, and sales of Ottawa real estate belonging to the ITTF via a holding company headed by his wife.

Sharara has now hit back warning that he will take legal action against Bosi before the Presidential vote at the ITTF Congress in Paris on May 15 if he does not withdraw his allegations.


"It is very regrettable that Mr Bosi has chosen to use public allegations, accusations and false
information as an election platform, contrary to the high standards by which we have governed
ourselves as a Federation," said Sharara.

"I totally dispute, deny and refute any and all accusations of any illegal or improper conduct in my actions over the entire period as ITTF President (1999-2013) and Deputy President (1995-1999).

"As has been done by Mr. Bosi, circulating an unsigned document, while containing information
provided by me and my staff, and manipulating the same to reach unsubstantiated conclusions,
is totally unacceptable and unethical.

"Especially that the accusatory unsigned document itself, on which the allegations are based, appears to be a compilation of comments put together from internet forums and chats by anonymous writers.

"Currently we are seeking a legal opinion regarding the accusatory document, its content,
context of submission and circulation, as a form of slander and defamation.

"I will let the legal system through the courts decide on these allegations.

"Regarding being accused of conflict of interest, this is also a false claim, but I will let the ITTF membership decide for itself.

"Of course I reserve my legal right to take court action against the accusers for libel and
defamation of character, and especially for damaging the image of the ITTF and its President."


Bosi, who has been head of the ETTU for 17 years, announced a surprise bid for the Presidency earlier this month.

He claims table tennis needed much greater transparency, warning that poor management would "destroy" the sport.

"I'm confident associations will understand we need a transparent ITTF and support me, in their own interest," he said.

"This incorrect management system will destroy table tennis and its credibility on short-medium term."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
April 2013: ITTF President to face challenge from European chief
February 2013: International Table Tennis Federation President to stand for re-election