MINSK, 3 September (BelTA) – Good athletes will be paid good salaries. They will be expected to show results in return, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko assured at a meeting to discuss the development of football and the entire sports industry, BelTA has learned.
“It is not true that we will not pay good athletes. We will pay good money. We will find it for this purpose. But if there is no result, don't even expect anything. You will be held responsible for the money spent on you. I am addressing these words to sports functionaries. There will be no more crazy money. I hope you will sort the salary system out," the Belarusian leader warned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko explained that an athlete playing for a team, competing in a particular sport can expect only an average salary. "Anything extra will depend on results. There will be no more crazy money. I do not want to stand before the people and make excuses when they ask why we pay money to the athletes who are a sorry sight to watch," the head of state said.
The president is convinced that among young Belarusian athletes there are talented jumpers, javelin throwers, hammer throwers and shot putters. They have already been showing good results at youth world championships. “Nurture them. People need to see that we spend money on them and they win medals at major competitions. Do not forget, however, that a particular athlete can show one level today and an absolutely different one tomorrow. Other athletes should be coached as substitutes when it is needed,” stressed Aleksandr Lukashenko.
The head of state said that athletes should also be patriots. They should not think only about financial rewards only. “They should think about bringing honor to the country. It means honor for them, too. We never forget our winners, champions. We have always supported them. You need a system. Sport should serve as a vehicle for social mobility. God forbid I learn that someone gets into sport thanks to bribes while a talented person is left behind. It is unacceptable! Everything needs to be done in an honest and fair way. Only then an athlete will understand what he is competing for,” the president said.
