The National Olympic Committee of South Africa (Nocsa) on Monday blamed the recent outbursts by Athletics SA (Asa) on its own deteriorating financial position.
This follows in the wake of Engen’s withdrawal from athletics of its estimated annual R8-million sponsorship last week and subsequent utterances by Asa CEO Banele Sindani that the funding they receive from Nocsa was ”peanuts”.
”Nocsa believes it is no coincidence that the volume of Asa’s outbursts increases as its funding situation deteriorates,” said Nocsa president Sam Ramsamy at a press conference. ”Asa perhaps needs to reflect on the damage that its mudslinging is having on its own sponsorship prospects.
”We would like to point out that the only loser in such a situation is Asa itself and that it is effectively shooting itself in the foot at a time when South African athletics can ill afford further financial or organisational turmoil.”
In a scathing attack last week, Sindani accused Nocsa of unfair allocation of money to his federation, his argument being that because athletics is the flagship and biggest contingent of the Olympics, the sport should be receiving a far greater ”slice of the pie” than lesser codes such as rowing, canoeing and volleyball.
Sindani questioned the ”disproportionate” allocation of R1,1-million to Asa whereas a smaller federation such as rowing receives R900 000.
Nocsa disagrees and says that its funding, which is allocated through its Operation Excellence (Opex) programme, is fair.
CEO of the Opex committee Lyndon Barends said Nocsa was not in a position to fund all National Federations 100% and therefore encouraged sporting bodies to develop their own income streams.
”While we understand that Nocsa’s contribution does not cover the entire costs, we are disappointed that the allocation [to Asa] is being belittled,” said Barends.
In clear reference to Sindani’s bemoaning of lack of funds, Barends pointed out that in 2002 Nocsa had allocated R1,02-million to Asa, of which only R847 000 was actually claimed by the federation.
Asked whether Nocsa would initiate a meeting with Asa, Ramsamy said their executive would meet in November and this would have to be added to the agenda.
”Basically, this type of publicity goes all over the world and if the sponsors see this activity they will withdraw sponsorship,” said Ramsamy.
”The best scenario is for Nocsa and Asa to work together so we can ensure that athletes get fair support. This [disagreement] will have no effect on Nocsa, only Asa,” concluded Ramsamy. — Sapa