Total pull out of Pearl

By Douglas Mazune TOTAL Uganda, the main sponsor of the Pearl of Africa rally has withdrawn from the 2001 editions of the ARC rally following a power struggle between AAU and rival FMU that has affected the rally. "Unlike the going national events, the continuation of this wrangle has placed the Total Pearl of Africa rally in jeopardy since it's a FIA, Africa championship event," Total managing director Phillippe Dekoninck said in press released issued yesterday. In a bid to save the prestigious rally, Total has been to trying to reconcile the warring parties since AAU withdrew the rally from the pro-FMU, MOSAC at the height of the wrangle last year. "We all appreciate that the rally, has attained very high standards and was even being considered for a World Rally Championship. This has been a result of meticulous preparations and organisation exhibited by MOSAC and the Total team together with other sponsors Hima, Celtel, Sheraton and Alliance Airlines," Dekoninck said. He said went on: "Under the present circumstances whereby it is three months to the rally and organisers, sponsors, operational budgets and event routes are either not yet known or finalised. We feel we cannot stake our reputation to an event whose organisation appears questionable to say the least." Total promised to return next year as main sponsor once the motor sport fraternity has resolved the wrangles. "We also call upon the public to join hands with sponsors and put pressure on all warring parties to stop destroying motor sport," the released stated. AAU's competitions committee (AACC) which is organising this year's edition has deposited $4000 on four rally cars in Japan following the mass defections of drivers including all top guns, to FMU. FMU, which holds local authority, is running the national championship while AAU that is still affiliated to FIA has powers to organise the only international rally. The rally was due to take place in September. Ends