Sports
‘FIFA Faces Painful Reform’
Thomas Bach has warned that FIFA must be braced for a similarly “painful experience” which the International Olympic Committee (IOC) also endured in order to reform.
IOC president Bach stated that there is “no comparison” between the bribery scandal which left the football world governing body’s reputation in tatters and the Salt Lake City corruption.
The IOC expelled members over the awarding of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002 and Bach believes FIFA should learn the lessons his organisation had to in order to rebuild their reputation.
“We can only encourage FIFA to continue their reforms, which have obviously been initiated. We cannot give advice of what to do in detail. But we appreciate that there is a readiness for reform now and for substantial reform,” Bach said.
“We also know from experience the other part of the job – it means putting everything on the desk which can be a painful experience, but it is absolutely necessary to do this, as we have seen from our own history.
“I am still convinced that only by doing this at the time that the IOC could restore its credibility. So this is our experience and we can only put this at the disposal of FIFA, while acknowledging the fact that the structure of FIFA is very different from the IOC and that the difference in scope is huge.
“There is almost no comparison with regard to what happened with Salt Lake City and what is now at stake at FIFA. This is, yeah, very hard to compare. Maybe only in principal, but not in scope.”
Long-serving FIFA president Sepp Blatter last week announced his intention to resign after 14 people, including nine past and present FIFA officials, were indicted by United States authorities on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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