By Dave Uka
Ebonyi State Commissioner for Youth Development and Sports, Prince Richard Ugo-Idike, has dismissed allegations that he demanded ₦20 million from the organizers of the Enviable Football Tournament to allow the final match at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki.
Speaking with Journalists in Abakiliki Prince Idike described the claim as a "rumour" and "fake news," stating he never discussed money with the organizers.
"I wouldn't know where the rumour comes from," he said. "I've even called Enviable, to know if anybody discussed money with him, and he said no. I called the chairman of the local organizing committee, and he also said no."
The Commissioner explained that he had given approval for the tournament to be held at the Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium, Abakaliki, without asking for anything in return. He stated that the organizers had written to his office requesting permission to use the stadium, and he had granted it.
According to Prince Ugo-Idike, the issue of money was never discussed during the meeting with the organizers. He said that the discussion centered on resolving issues with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), which had not been involved in the arrangement of the competition.
"Our discussion centered on the NFA issue, which stated that they were not aware of the competition. They wrote to my office, instructing us not to allow the match to proceed with the unregistered referees hired from Cross River State. The national president of referees also called me, warning us not to allow those referees to officiate, as they are not registered".
"They are wearing FIFA badges to officiate, which led to their arrest and detention, as they are not recognized by the referee body".
"We discussed that the organizers should finalize their registration with the FA. If they fail to do so, they will not be allowed to use the stadium, as the FA collaborates with state governments and oversees all football games in the federation, provided registered referees officiate".
"We discussed how they should proceed, as they had started the competition without notifying the FA. I advised them to negotiate with the FA by writing officially. After registration, that was all. We never discussed money".
"The meeting was almost concluded, with the Chairman of NFA, Secretary NFA, and FA committee officials present. I handed the matter over to them and left".
The chairman of the local organizing committee, Barr Chukwuka Okpoto, corroborated the Commissioner's statement, saying that no one had demanded money from them.
He praised the Commissioner's cooperation and support for the tournament.
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