Sebastian Coe has upped the stakes in his bid to become president of the International Association of Athletics Federations by promising to give at least $100,000 over four years to all of the IAAF’s 214 member federations if he gets athletics’ top job.
Coe, who is challenging Sergey Bubka for the IAAF presidency in the August elections , said that the money would come from the cash the governing body receives from the International Olympic Committee off the back of the Olympic Games. He said this “Olympic athletics dividend” could be used to fund facilities, hire equipment, train athletes and coaches, stage competitions or help with talent identification programmes. The dividend, which would total around $22m over a four-year period, would be funded through approximately half of the quadrennial fee received from the IOC and underpinned by a strategic review of existing IAAF structures and use of resources.
Coe denied that there was a risk that small countries could use the money in the wrong way or that it could lead to corruption. “I’ve had many conversations with many of the smaller federations in recent weeks,” he said. “Let me give you some examples. One from a federation in South America, who is subbing $20,000 out of his own pocket to keep up the semblance of a coaching programme.
“I spoke to one federation president and out of her last two pay packets as a high school teacher, she has spent money on pots of paint to keep the lines on the track. Another federation president who paid for the athletes’ and his own bus fare to their championships. I recognise we need to release resources to allow these federations to do what we’re wanting them to do, according to local need.”
Coe said the first $25,000 payment to federations would be paid in January 2016. “I have worked closely with a leading firm of chartered accountants to act as a financial adviser in drawing up this proposal to ensure it is feasible and sustainable,” he added. “I am confident it is both. I have also discussed the concept with IAAF colleagues and members of the athletics family and I’m encouraged by their support and grateful for their input, which has helped shape this initiative.”
He also insisted that, with the IAAF having $76m in reserves, it was right to release money to the federations. “The IAAF reserves, including those monies from the IOC, need to be maintained at a prudent level,” he said. “But we must also ensure those funds are put to work through the federations who are best placed to deliver athletics on the ground and around the globe.”
Coe claimed that his presidency would help athletics become stronger in the next decade. “I joined an athletics club at 11,” he said. “I’ve broken 11 world records. I’ve led a team to the most successful Olympic event ever in this stadium. I think I’m at the right point to devote the next few years to making sure this is a strong sport. And when someone takes over, I want it to be stronger than today. It’s not about cleaning it up. This is not a basket case. It’s a strong sport. We’re the No1 sport in the Olympic Games.”
Coe also hinted that he might give up his role as an ambassador for Nike if he were to be elected. “I’ve been with Nike since 1978,” he said. “It’s not the best-kept secret. It’s on a number of websites including the House of Lords. I don’t think any candidate standing has such transparency about their interests and what they do. I’ve always made it clear since my Locog [London Organising Committee] days that the corporate governance is pristine. And if I’m not able to have that independence, I will make the adjustments. But I’m not in the West Wing yet.”
