Mo Farah: Haile Gebrselassie rejects Brit’s claims over alleged robbery at Ethiopian hotel
Gebrselassie released a statement alleging ‘multiple reports of disgraceful conduct’ by the four-time Olympic champion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Mo Farah is embroiled in an extraordinary war of words with fellow distance star Haile Gebrselassie over a stay in his Ethiopian hotel.
Speaking to newspaper reporters ahead of Sunday’s London Marathon, Farah criticised Gebrselassie over an alleged robbery in a hotel owned by the retired Ethiopian in which he claims he had a watch, two phones and money stolen.
Farah said Gebrselassie did not return his messages about the incident, and said: “I just want him to take responsibility for getting my stuff back.
“It’s a hotel’s responsibility to be able to get it back. You pay for each night – you’re not getting it free.”
Gebrselassie, 46, responded to Farah’s claims with an astonishing statement alleging “multiple reports of disgraceful conduct” by the four-time Olympic champion and his entourage.
Gebrselassie also alleged that Farah had been reported to the police for “attacking a married athlete in the gym”, and that charges were dropped following his personal mediation.
A spokesperson for Farah has since claimed those allegations are a deflection tactic from Gebrselassie.
In a statement to Press Association Sport, the spokesperson said: “Mo is disappointed with this statement and the continued reluctance by the hotel and its owner to take responsibility for this robbery.
“Mo disputes all of these claims which are an effort to distract from the situation, where members of his hotel staff used a room key and stole money and items from Mo Farah’s room (there was no safe as it was faulty, and Mo requested a new one).
“Police reports confirm the incident and the hotel admitted responsibility and were in contact with Mo’s legal advisor.
“The hotel even offered to pay Mo the amount stolen, only to withdraw the offer when he prematurely left the hotel and moved to other accommodation, due to security concerns.
“Despite many attempts to discuss this issue privately with Mr Gebrselassie, he did not respond but now that he has, we would welcome him or his legal team getting in touch so that this matter can be resolved.”
Gebrselassie claimed that Farah declined the use of a safety deposit box and said five members of hotel staff had been detained by police investigating the “unproven” robbery for three weeks before being released.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments