The recent suspension imposed on the Kwara Sports Commission has ignited a wave of debate and uncertainty.
The suspension, which was initially believed to have been initiated by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has now been attributed to the Nigeria Anti Doping Committee (NADC). The controversy stems from the commission’s association with a banned coach.
Coach Hammid Muritala, who was banned for a decade after being found guilty of doping a minor athlete named Fatimah Abdukarim, was discovered to be part of the Kwara Athletics Association team at the Golden League.
In response to this revelation, the AFN received a letter of apology from the Kwara State Sports Commission regarding the events leading to the association’s ban.
Rita Mosindi, the Secretary General of the AFN, clarified the situation by asserting that the suspension was enforced by the NADC and not the AFN.
Mosindi emphasized that the AFN merely conveyed the NADC’s decision to the Kwara Athletics Association. The suspension aligns with the World Anti-Doping rule 2.91, which strictly forbids any affiliation with individuals serving a doping ban.
Mosindi dismissed allegations that the AFN had acted without due process, highlighting that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of the NADC and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
She expressed the need for better education on sports and doping regulations before making public statements that could misinform others.
Bolakale Mogaji, the head of the Kwara Sports Commission, disclosed that the Secretary of the Kwara Athletics Association and the head coach had been subjected to an inquiry regarding Coach Muri’s presence with the state athletics team at the AFN Golden League in Benin City.
Mogaji, who himself has a background in athletics, acknowledged the grave consequences of associating with a coach under a ban.
He assured that all necessary measures had been taken by the commission in response to the issue and had evidence in the form of official correspondence.
As the controversy surrounding the suspension of the Kwara Sports Commission continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the NADC and WADA will address the matter.
The implications of association with banned individuals in the realm of sports raise concerns about maintaining fair competition and preserving the integrity of athletics.
