The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Prince Richard Ugo-Idike has refuted claims of misappropriation surrounding a ₦1 million reward fund allocated for each of the players that participated in the just concluded president Federation Cup Final that Abakaliki FC came second position after penalty shoot out with Kwara United.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the Commissioner for sports, prince Idike described the allegations as baseless and ill motivated. He clarified that all funds disbursed by the ministry followed due process, with transparent documentation and approval by the club management.
“The Ministry remains committed to accountability and the growth of youth and sports development in Ebonyi State,” the Commissioner said, urging the public to disregard what he termed as “false and malicious reports.”
“For clarity, we have over forty players, which some did not registered in the just concluded FA cup, but among the thirty four players that registered, were all paid their One-Million naira as captured by the Governor.
“Meanwhile, we gave one hundred thousand naira each to the remaining players who did not registered for their transportation as re embark on break which all these was agreed in our meeting with the team.
He explained further that the money given to the remaining players are money sourced from what was signed to the officials who are twenty five in number stating that they agreed to accommodate those not captured among the sixteen official approved by the governor.
“As for the supporters, one hundred supporters from Ebonyi who went to Lagos state all got thirty thousand naira each from three million given to them, while others who are residents of Lagos state were given one million naira.
Contacting, the captain of Abakaliki FC, Cyrin Timothy confirmed that all players who registered to participate in the just concluded FA Cup competition have all received their entitled payments.
Speaking to our correspondent on telephone in the wave of the speculation of financial misappropriation, the captain expressed satisfaction with the club management for fulfilling their financial commitments to the team.
“I can confidently say that all the players that registered for the FA Cup have gotten their money,” the captain said.