The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN Osun State Chapter Osun has urged the state government to thoroughly investigate the reason behind an alleged illegal deductions from the salaries paid to Osun athletes, coaches and players.
The Association viewed this decision as an act of sabotage of Governor Oyetola’s efforts at putting smiles on the faces of sportsmen and women and could further demoralize the athletes and eventually affect their preparations for the major events coming up when the ban on sports is finally lifted by the Federal Government.
“It is disheartening to hear about deduction of salaries of athletes, coaches and players who have waited for 3 months without pay. We therefore call on the Governor to investigate the reason(s) behind this ugly and untoward action alleged to have been carried out by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and make necessary amends,” the release stated.
The association however commended the State Governor for heeding the advice of the Association to pay salaries of sports athletes, coaches and players whose salaries were suspended in July by the state ministry of youth and sports.
In a release jointly signed by the Chairman, Mr. Tope Alabi and the Secretary, Timothy Agbor, SWAN states that Governor Oyetola has proved to be a listening leader who understands the plight of sports men and women in the state and would not want to add to their challenges.
“We are happy that finally, Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola considered the advice given by SWAN, Osun Chapter in July this year that it was against the FIFA rule to stop salaries of players whose contracts are still valid. These players and athletes have confirmed the payment which has therefore justified the Association’s position on the matter.”
“We similarly commend the Ministry of Sports and enjoin all parties to work together for the development of sports.”
“We want to re affirm that Osun SWAN stands for the truth and will not be cowed to speak the truth always. The Association will not relent in its efforts at ensuring the desired growth and development of Osun Sports while athletes’ deserved welfare are not tampered with unjustly.”
