World Athletics Probes Delayed Grand Slam Track Payouts Amid Athlete Concerns…Read More…
In a move sending ripples across the global track and field community, World Athletics has launched an official probe into the delayed prize money payments from several marquee Grand Slam Track events this season. The sport’s governing body confirmed on Monday that it is closely monitoring outstanding payments owed to athletes, raising concerns over financial transparency and contractual obligations in some of the most prestigious meets on the calendar.
The controversy surfaced earlier this month when multiple elite athletes, including Olympic medalists and world champions, began voicing frustrations over overdue earnings from key Grand Slam meets held in Europe, Asia, and North America. While some payments are reportedly only a few weeks behind schedule, other cases have lingered for months — a situation many athletes say has put their finances and trust in meet organizers under strain.
Voices from the Track
Jamaican sprint star and reigning world 100m champion, Aaliyah Thompson, didn’t mince words after her win at the Berlin Grand Slam in June.
“We put our bodies on the line every race,” Thompson said. “It’s not just about medals and records — this is our livelihood. Waiting months for prize money that was promised upfront is unacceptable.”
Thompson confirmed she has yet to receive her full prize purse from the Berlin and Osaka Grand Slam events, both of which were heavily promoted by sponsors and broadcast globally.
Similarly, Kenyan 800m ace David Mutua shared his frustration after finishing runner-up in Shanghai.
“I travel halfway across the world, perform at my best, and then I have to chase organizers for money like I’m begging? That’s not right,” Mutua stated.
Organizers Blame “Administrative Delays”
Grand Slam Track organizers, however, have offered mixed explanations. A joint statement from the European Athletics Meet Association (EAMA), which oversees several Grand Slam events, cited “unexpected administrative delays linked to international financial regulations and sponsor transactions.”
“We recognize and regret the inconvenience caused to athletes and their management teams,” the statement read. “Efforts are underway to expedite all pending payments. The financial integrity of our meets remains a top priority.”
But some industry insiders suggest that deeper financial challenges may be at play, particularly with smaller organizers struggling to balance rising costs, fluctuating sponsorships, and post-pandemic economic pressures.
World Athletics Steps In
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe addressed the issue during a press briefing in Monaco.
“Athletes are the heart of our sport. Any delay in honoring financial commitments is a matter of serious concern,” Coe stated. “We are actively investigating reported delays and are in direct communication with meet organizers to ensure athletes receive what they are owed.”
While Coe stopped short of confirming sanctions, he emphasized that World Athletics reserves the right to impose penalties on meets that breach contractual obligations, including possible removal from the Grand Slam Track calendar.
Coe also hinted at introducing stricter financial compliance rules for sanctioned events starting in 2026, ensuring organizers have escrow accounts or financial guarantees before hosting Grand Slam meets.
A Brewing Storm in Track & Field
Athlete unions and management agencies have begun rallying behind affected competitors. The Global Athletes Union (GAU), representing hundreds of professional track and field athletes worldwide, called on World Athletics to take stronger action.
“This isn’t just about late payments — it’s about respect for the people who make these events possible,” said GAU President Maria Kone. “If meet organizers can’t pay on time, they shouldn’t be hosting events under the Grand Slam banner.”
GAU also warned of potential athlete boycotts if the issue isn’t swiftly resolved, signaling a possible standoff between organizers and athletes ahead of the late summer circuit.
The Bigger Picture
The Grand Slam Track series, launched in 2022, was envisioned as a global platform elevating track and field with high-stakes prize purses and premium athlete experiences. Its success relied on robust sponsorship, fan engagement, and athlete trust.
However, this payment controversy threatens to erode that foundation. Financial analyst Peter Van Dyk, who specializes in sports economics, says the situation poses a reputational risk.
“Delays in prize payments can quickly damage the credibility of a sports brand, especially when athletes start speaking out publicly,” Van Dyk noted. “If not resolved, it may affect future sponsorships and athlete participation.”
Looking Ahead
With the season’s marquee events like Zurich and New York still ahead, the spotlight remains on World Athletics and event organizers. Will they restore confidence among athletes and ensure timely payments, or will the simmering discontent boil over into a full-blown crisis?
For now, athletes, fans, and sponsors alike watch with a mix of hope and skepticism — waiting, not just for races, but for overdue payments and overdue accountability.
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