Dalung warns against athletes’ welfare violation

y Gbenga Jolaosho Abuja Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has frowned at the poor management of the welfare of the country’s athletes, players and officials, hence directed that all outstanding salaries be paid to the sports men and women.
The Minister expressed sadness when he visited the National Women’s U-20 team Falconets in Austria at the weekend.
According to his findings, the players were yet to receive any allowance since May 10, 2018 when they began camping.
Consequently, he directed that all pending camp allowances and match bonuses owed the Falconets and their officials be paid before they depart for France.
“I am indeed saddened that the team has been in camp since May 10, 2018 and have not been paid either their camp allowances or match bonuses since they qualified for the World Cup.
It was only a few days ago in Austria that they got a little fraction of their daily allowances.
“Welfare is the definition of motivation to athletes and officials and a team of young girls who made the country proud by qualifying for the U-20 Women’s World Cup in France deserve better treatment than what they have gotten.
“I hereby direct that all pending allowances of the players and officials be paid before their training camp in Austria comes to a close as Government will no longer accept the violation of this policy on athletes’ welfare in all National Sports Federations.” The Minister also directed National Sports Federations to ensure strict compliance with the welfare policy and other related issues of athletes, players and officials.
He once again congratulated the Falconets and wished them the best outing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France.