According to a post on the Hamvention website: "We have received conflicting information from credible sources regarding the accuracy of the winning nomination. The General Chairman of Hamvention this year, Charles Kaiser, received these reports and followed up to verify their accuracy. Unfortunately this changes the way we score for the Amateur of the Year award and since the competition was close with other nominees the outcome would have been different. Based on all of this research the decision has been made by the Hamvention General Chairman not to award the Amateur of the Year for 2013."
Landoulsi, a retired airline pilot, had been recognized for work in promoting and developing amateur radio in the Middle East and for organizing delivery of emergency medical equipment and medication to countries in Africa.
There was no indication from DARA regarding the nature of the "conflicting information" or any additional details regarding its action. This is the first time since the award was first presented in 1955 that an award has been withdrawn after being announced, and the first time that the Amateur of the Year award has not been presented. The decision has no impact on this year's other Hamvention awards - Technical Achievement, Special Achievement and Club of the Year - which will be presented as originally announced. (Tnx WA6ITF)
