For many years, Sweden has abstained our vote at international congresses in all matters with economic consequence, exactly for the reasons that are causing the crisis we are in. In any democratic system, those elected to handle finance according to a budget, are also subject to control that these guidelines are followed. This is done every year in the Swedish federation, where I as president do not handle any money, this is done by an elected treasurer. Before our national congress every year an external auditor, who is not on the board, but is elected directly by congress, audits all the book keeping, bank accounts, expenses and so on, so that they can report to congress that their money has been handled correctly according to the budget that was voted on the previous year. We believe that as a routine all finances must be audited every year by someone elected directly by congress, who can report directly to congress that everything is in order.

Seeing as we are never presented with a budget, and with the exception of the EAF congress this year, never have had an external auditor’s statement that things are in order, Sweden has not voted for an acceptance of any economical matter.

It is easy to blame the president and general secretary, but although they are definitely not without blame, this blame is shared by every country that has voted for an acceptance of incomplete financial reports that have not been audited by an external person. This is no different now than under the previous president, so things have not gotten worse, nor have they gotten better. Every time a country representative has voted for an acceptance of financial reports/decisions without proper information they have partaken in the system that has created this situation. We are an international federation, attempting to work according to democratic standards. For next year and in the future, we need a budget, where the expected expenses and incomes are stated. The following year we need a statement from an auditor that we elected at the same time we set budget, stating that our money has been handled according to that budget, who has seen, banking statements, proof of expenses, and so forth. When this happens, Sweden will vote for an acceptance of financial reports, and approving of expenses. Until then, the responsibility for this is ultimately on the executive committee, but the blame for the current situation is on all of you who year after year have voted for an acceptance of reports without proper information and auditing, and thus creating this culture.

Anders Axklo

President

Swedish Armwrestling Federation