Romania coach Belu quits over 'unfair accusations'

Octavian Belu, celebrated coach of the Romania Olympic gymnastics women's gold medal-winning team in Athens, has resigned.

Belu told Reuters: "I have sent a letter to the Romanian Gymnastics Federation announcing my resignation. I can no longer take the unfair accusations made against us over the years."

On Friday, Belu admitted athletes in his charge had given him money but denied ever demanding it, telling a Bucharest court money had been offered to him in gratitude for his help in winning medals.

Belu was responding to charges by former gymnast Oana Petrovschi, who stopped competing in 2003, that he and his colleague Mariana Bitang had asked her for money in exchange for their contribution to her success.

Petrovschi has also accused the duo of forcing her to train and compete despite medical reports that she was suffering from a back problem. She is suing for over $51,000 in damages.

Belu, 54, said: "I have not been able to get to the gymnastics hall for the past two weeks so I could prepare my defence in court. I cannot train a team for competition in such circumstances."