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ethics

ITTF Tribunal decision: how the table tennis powerhouses Greenland and Jersey made Petra Sörling president

The Table Tennis Tribunal dismissed appeals by corrupt presidential candidate Khalil Al Mohannadi and Qatar – the full decision has now been published. Among other things, the appellants had challenged the legitimacy of votes cast by rather exotic federations from the shores of the oceans.

Jens Weinreich

Jens Weinreich

— 9 min read
ITTF Tribunal decision: how the table tennis powerhouses Greenland and Jersey made Petra Sörling president
From the detailed decision of the ITTF Tribunal. (The page has been edited so that all information fits into this cover illustration. The original can be found in the article.)

The decision of the International Table Tennis Tribunal (ITTFT), which I reported on 2 September 2025, is now available in full. This document rejects the appeal lodged by the Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) and Khalil Al Mohannadi against the presidential election held in Doha in May 2025 and confirms Petra Sörling (Sweden) as president. This means that Ms Sörling can remain an ex officio IOC member.

Khalil Al Mohannadi had already been suspended once for corruption and had to relinquish his office, which he had obtained at an ITTF election congress:

“Due to bribery”: the questionable background of ITTF presidential candidate Khalil Al-Mohannadi
Are five-figure sums and value-in-kind promises being offered for votes at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) election congress in Doha? Whistleblowers are said to have informed ITTF’s Integrity Unit. A preliminary investigation is apparently underway. Elections take place on Tuesday.
THE INQUISITORJens Weinreich

As far as I understand, numerous ethics complaints against him and other officials from his circle are being investigated, and proceedings are ongoing. Al Mohannadi and the QTTA had already announced months ago that they intended to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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