"In Azerbaijan we were treated like slaves" - Ethiopian runner

Baku / 05.08.17 / Turan: The British newspaper The Guardian published an article dedicated to the acquisition by African countries of athletes from the rich countries of the Middle East. The e newspaper notes, later some of these athletes are refused, violating their rights. An example, the case of the Ethiopian sportswoman Laesh Tsige, which in Azerbaijan turned into Leah Abdullaev. The German TV channel ARDdevoted a reportage to this name.

"They treated us like slaves," she said in her interview. The 26-year-old sportswoman, who has won dozens of medals, was persuaded by the Turkish coach to stand up for Azerbaijan.

"In case of victories, they promised me a good salary, expensive cars, an apartment. But I did not see anything like this. The money that was given to me, as a bonus, was stolen. I was deceived and forced to take dope. I advise everyone, not to agree to it," said the athlete.

They promised to pay Laesh $300 dollars per month, and in case of achieving good results - $ 1000.

Already in the first months of her performance for Azerbaijan, she became a silver medalist at the European Youth Championship. However, she did not receive the promised money.

She was paid only $150 dollars a month.

"Eight months later I asked the trainer why I was not paid the promised $ 1,000 and threatened, complain to the president of the federation. He immediately took money out of his pocket and gave it to me. Hence, he kept money with himself from the third month," says Laesh.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports and Azerbaijan Athletics Federation have not commented on the statement of the African athlete.

The president of the Athletics Federation of Azerbaijan is Chingiz Huseynzade, who simultaneously holds the post of first vice-president of the National Olympic Committee.

Interestingly, inviting athletes from Africa, the federation underestimates its own talents.

An example of this is the story of Ramil Guliyev, who, due to lack of proper attention, moved to Turkey, and became the European record holder from Turkey among juniors in the 200m race, vice-champion of Europe-2016, finalist of the Rio-2016 Olympics.

Despite the huge number of foreign players who win most medals, the Minister of Sports Azad Rahimov continues to talk about the great achievements in the development of sports in the country.

For reportage of ARD contact

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