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TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The sports ministry on Friday ordered the Chinese Taipei Gymnastics Association to remove its secretary-general and apologize for mishandling replacement eligibility for the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, causing two athletes to miss their chance to compete. The ministry stated the case had materially affected the athletes’ rights to compete and that the association’s explanations, accountability measures, and handling of the incident had failed to meet its governance responsibilities. After holding another meeting Friday to demand an explanation, the ministry said it would initiate procedures under Article 43 of the National Sports Act and remove the secretary-general. Officials contacted the association Thursday to demand an immediate investigation and accountability but received no concrete response. At a meeting Friday, the association’s chairperson attended while the secretary-general did not, and officials failed to fully explain the decision-making process or responsibilities. The association was ordered to submit a full review of the case and establish procedures for handling replacement eligibility and emergency notifications for international competitions. Future notices affecting athletes’ competition rights must be immediately shared with athletes, coaches, and relevant selection and training units, it said. The ministry said sports organizations exist to promote sports and support athletes, and those responsible would be held accountable under the law. It said the measures would not affect other athletes’ training, selection, or participation in international competitions. World Gymnastics notified the association on Aug. 20 that Pingtung gymnasts Pan Tsai-chen (潘采宸) and Lee Chia-wei (李佳蔚) had obtained replacement spots for the world championships in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, per CNA. Pan had a spot in the floor exercise, while Lee had one in the uneven bars. The association declined the spots that afternoon, citing insufficient time to complete required administrative procedures. DPP Legislator Hsu Fu-kuei (徐富癸) said the response deadline was still more than 12 hours away and questioned whether the secretary-general had authority to decide without consulting the athletes, coaches, or selection committee.