By Uzor Odigbo
The International Federation of Athletics Association (IAAF) has threatened to sanction the Athletes Federation of Nigeria (AFN) within two weeks if fails to remite over $150,000 dollars being over payment it received from the world athletics body after two years
The threat was issued in a strongly worded statement made available to the TheNiche Newspaper by Jee Isram, IAAF Senior manager, in May 11 2019
In the letter Jee Isramn stated that IAAF exchanged several correspondents with AFN and even the Sports Minister Solomon Dalung in Asaba in August last year on the need to pay back the missing IAAF funds which was allegedly shared among AFN and Sports ministry officials.
He noted that the IAAF is aware the Sports Minister Dalung who portrays himself as an anti corruption crusader would be stepping soon and should be able to facilitate the funds pay back before he leaves office on May 22, 2019.
Isram reiterated that failure to remite the balance of the outstanding amount owed IAAF, the Nigerian federation would be sanctioned within two weeks.
Meanwhile, reactions have trailed the revelation made by IAAF on the money owed it by AFN.
Most athletes interviewed blamed both the sports minister and AFN for bringing shame to the country’s image.
They insisted that for two years effort was not made to pay back the funds, adding that those who shared the money should pay back the money.
Other stakeholders believed that efforts should be made to pay off the money to avoid IAAF sanction.
The Minister should not leave debts for Nigeria, instead make good his promise of leaving sports better than he met it, said one of the stakeholders.
They also believed that the Sports Minister knew about the funds when he assured IAAF in Asaba of prompt payment of the money. Former AFN President, Dr. Solomon Ogba admitted in a statement of receiving 20.000 dollars being funds meant for competitions at Osoro in Delta state. He claimed the funds was given to him by former AFN scribe Amaechi Akawu.
The IAAF letter reads, “We informed on the 14 March 2018 by our CEO of a payment made by the IAAF to the bank account of your Federation on 17 May 2017. A sum of US5, 150, 000 was transfered by the IAAF of which US5, 150, 000 wrongfully credited.
We promptly notified you of this overpayment and followed up several written correspondences as well as a meeting with you in November 2017, requesting that you reverse the bank transfer for the overpaid amount, to no avail.
On 28 June 2018, you informed us that the Ministry of sports was ready to refund 50% of that amount and despite several telephone conversations, the amount was still not paid.
While we were in Asaba in August 2018 during the African Senior Championships we met with the Minister of Sports and his permanent Secretary.V We discussed about the return of the funds to the IAAF and until today we have not heard anything.
We understand that the Minister of Sports will be stepping down soon and it is imperative that you to arrange for the return of the full amount within two weeks, at the latest. Failure to receive the funds back within that period, we will have no alternative than to apply appropriate sanctions against your Federation.
