Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei wants world 400m hurdles champion Nicholas Bett to consult them before making his decision regarding his invitation to change citizenship to the United States of America.
Bett announced on Facebook on Wednesday that he had received such an offer, asking his 2655 friends to advise him on what is the best thing to do.
However, Tuwei said there are procedures to be followed in such a situation and would wish they are followed to the letter.
“We have only learnt of the issue in the media. There has been no communication and we would wish that Bett comes to us for a discussion,” said Tuwei.
“We would want to know how the invite came through; if it is through an individual or institution. We would also want him to furnish us with details of the contract (if any) and then we will advise him appropriately.”
Tuwei said it wouldn’t be a surprise if this was factual, insisting: “These things are there. However, there are procedures to be followed.”
He explained that such a procedure must involve three parties in this case the parent association (Athletics Kenya), the inviting federation (United States Track and Field) and the umbrella body International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
“At the moment, we have not received any official request (from USA track and Field),” said Tuwei. “It can’t be a one party affair and it would only be fair for us to get these details first before making a comprehensive statement.”
Tuwei reckoned that they have although been anticipating such developments, with some key Kenyan athletes having gone that route in yesteryears.
An investigation in 2013 showed that 40 athletes had switched allegiance, mostly to European and Gulf states after being offered lucrative deals by their adopted countries.
Prominent among them are Wilson Kipketer- former 800m world record holder (Denmark), former world half and world cross champion Lornah Kiplagat (The Netherlands) and 3,000m steeplechase record holder Saeef Saeed Shaheen (formerly Stephen Cherono-Qatar) and former world 1,500m and 5,000m champion Bernard Lagat (United States of America). The latest documented shift was of Benson Osoro who moved to the USA in 2012.
Tuwei said they have been advising Kenyan runners on the pros and cons of such defections.
“As recently as our last two athletes’ seminars, we have been educating our athletes not only on career contracts but also on the change of allegiance,” said Tuwei.
