AA blames Steffensen for rift

Athletics Australia has blamed John Steffensen for the rift that has developed between the governing body and the Commonwealth 400m champion, who has said he will not defend his title in Delhi because of the fractious relationship.

Steffensen has reportedly pulled out of October's games as a protest against Athletics Australia, which he describes as an 'egotistical and outdated body'.

He has not spoken to AA in the past six months after it refused to guarantee him a spot in Delhi if he missed the Games selection trials in Perth in April. Despite suffering a back injury, he competed and finished second to qualify for the team.

He has since repeatedly criticised Athletics Australia in the media over their handling of his issues.

But AA chief executive Dallas O'Brien said his body had made several attempts to contact Steffensen, and received no co-operation from the 28-year old.

"We have made numerous attempts to arrange meetings with John to discuss his issues and his behaviour since April and have also offered to participate in an independent mediation process. Despite this, John has refused all efforts to meet with Athletics Australia to discuss his situation. It is extremely difficult to resolve any issues with an athlete who refuses to communicate directly," O'Brien said in a statement.

"John is supported by Athletics Australia’s High Performance program and is a valued athlete. He has been a member of our world championships, Olympic and Commonwealth Games teams," he said.

O'Brien said Athletics Australia had not yet been informed that Steffensen would not compete in the Commonwealth Games.