# Haile Gebrselassie steps down as President of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation
In recent news, the renowned runner Haile Gebrselassie has announced his resignation from the position of President of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation. He made this decision on Monday, stating that he was making this sacrifice for the sport. Gebrselassie had been serving as the president of the federation for the past two years.
Reports indicate that the double Olympic champion will officially declare his resignation due to irreconcilable differences. This announcement followed a protest by a group of athletes in Sululta, located south of the capital Addis Ababa, regarding the lack of facilities and services provided by the federation.
During a press conference, Gebrselassie expressed that he does not intend to return to the position. He highlighted concerns about certain individuals attempting to undermine the values of the Ethiopian Athletics Federation. It appears that these efforts have led to influencing young athletes to protest against the federation to voice their demands.
Gebrselassie, a two-time world marathon record holder, faced significant challenges during his tenure as president, which he won through election in November 2016. Despite serving only half of the four-year term, he has made the decision to step down.
Throughout his illustrious running career spanning over two decades, Gebrselassie has garnered nine marathon major victories and set 27 world records. The vacant position of the federation president will be assumed by Derartu Tulu, another Ethiopian star and two-time Olympic champion. Tulu, who currently serves as the vice-president, clinched gold in the 10000m at both the Barcelona 1992 and Sydney 2000 Olympics.
