Greek track and field athletes face budget problems

The Greek Amateur Track and Field Federation (SEGAS) warned on Monday that the reduction of state funds may lead to their athletes not participating in international competition.

The federation said that it would curb operating costs and even reduce the cost of organizing the annual classic marathon race.

“SEGAS fully understands the particularly difficult situation our country is facing. But we have to emphasize that our limits and possibilities to operate have been exhausted,» the statement said.

The federation said that the government has chopped 35 percent of the state fund for SEGAS this year.

The financial crisis in the country has led to the General Secretariat of Sports making drastic cuts in subsidies to sports federations over the last few years.

Last year the government gave only 11.2 million euros to the country’s sports federations, a 50 percent decrease from the previous year.

SEGAS received 2.3 million euros last year, a 67 percent drop from 2013.

“The particularly reduced state subsidy for SEGAS, combined with the fact that up to now we have not received a single cent for 2015, has created huge problems for the functioning of track and field in Greece,» the federation said.

SEGAS noted that training has stopped for some athletes as coaches have not been paid and suppliers of the federation have had long delays in being paid as well.

The federation said that sponsors have covered to date tax and insurance obligations as well as obligations towards their employees.

“The sponsorship revenue has ensured a minimum level of operation only,» the statement said.

[AFP]