Bachmann steps down as squash chief

Philippine Squash Academy Inc. (PSAI) president Robert Bachmann temporarily stepped down from his position, citing delays in the needs of the athletes in their preparations.

In a statement, Bachmann said that Philippine Sports commissioners Edward Hayco and Matthew “Fritz” Gaston were delaying their requests, citing the Commission on Audit (CoA) Circular 2007-01.

Bachmann will be the executive director of the PSAI in the meantime.

“I made the decision to temporarily step down as president of the Philippine Squash Academy, Inc. (PSAI) to ensure that our athletes and coaches would not be affected by administrative delays at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC),” Bachmann said

“Squash is now officially recognized as an Olympic Sport, and it is critical that our national athletes receive timely support. However, PSC commissioners Gaston and Hayco have delayed the approval of PSAI’s requests, citing COA Circular 2007-01 as their official reason.”

“To ensure that PSAI’s operations continue smoothly and that our athletes are not affected, I stepped into the role of executive director, allowing the organization to navigate the situation without disruption.”

Despite his resignation, Bachmann remains as president of the Southeast Asian Squash Federation, a member of the Major Games Commission of the Asian Squash Federation, and the chairman of the Governance and Compliance Commission of the World Squash Federation.

PSAI vice president Sheree Gotuaco was appointed as the interim president during an extraordinary board meeting held last 23 January and will be in charge of the federation during this time.

Upon consulting with CoA state auditor Jeorge Romano Lozano, Bachmann questioned the timing of the implementation since it wasn’t heavily enforced by the PSC for some time.

The older Bachmann also clarified that his brother and PSC chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann hasn’t been involved with PSAI since starting his term in 2023.

“This CoA Circular has been in place since 2007 but had never been strictly enforced in similar situations before, raising questions about its sudden implementation now, after two years of chairman Bachmann’s tenure,” Bachmann said.

“There is a clear precedent where a similar case in the past was addressed through self-inhibition, rather than the blocking of an NSA’s requests. PSC chairman Richard Bachmann has voluntarily inhibited himself from all squash-related matters since the beginning of his tenure, ensuring that there is no conflict of interest.”

As Bachmann officially files a complaint, he remains optimistic this will all be resolved in due time.

“I am confident that the PSC as an institution is committed to fair governance. It is my hope that any existing concerns will be addressed in a manner that ensures consistent and objective decision-making for all NSAs,” Bachmann said.

“I remain hopeful that this matter will be resolved in the best interest of Philippine sports, and I trust that the appropriate authorities will take the necessary steps to ensure that PSC fulfills its mandate effectively. I remain available to clarify any details or provide further documentation as necessary.”