Star Writers

MVP coach Stephen Francis

As the discord between the MVP Track & Field Club and at least two of its elite athletes deepens, the major point of contention has been highlighted as monetary, with athletes said to be unaware of their exact earnings or how those earnings are being negotiated on the circuit.

It is a situation that has left the pair in serious discontent and threatens to result in a complete severance from the University of Technology-based club.

National junior 400m hurdles record holder Ristananna Tracey has already 'jumped ship' and is now paired with the neighbouring Racers Track Club, home of sprint kings Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake.

Several developing athletes, such as Kimmari Roach,Peter Matthews and Darion Bent, have also left the highly regarded, Stephen Francis and his MVP stable and are now under the guidance of Racers' head coach, the equally noted, Glen Mills.

It is understood that the current MVP Track Club set-up seeds funds from main sponsor Nike, the US-based sports goods manufacturer which, also sponsors several athletes at the club. The funds are lodged directly to the club's management, which then make the disbursements to the athletes. This disbursement is made after the coach's take, believed in some instances to be as high as 20 per cent, is deducted. This is compared to 10-12 per cent collected by most coaches on the international stage.

It is, however, unclear whether or not this 20 per cent includes a five per cent fee that each athlete is required to pay towards the running of the club. It's an arrangement that has caused some athletes to now raise concerns as they are said to be uncertain of their worth and just how much they are raking in.

Star Sportswas informed by well-placed sources that one of the disgruntled athletes, who has medalled at the international level, has been seeking a meeting with the club's management for the last few days, but has been unable to do so as their calls have gone unanswered - further inflaming the situation.

The second athlete, who has also enjoyed podium success on the global stage, is said to be deeply dissatisfied with the level of attention she has been receiving from the coaching staff at the club and is also concerned about how the 'club-fee' is being administered.

There have also been emerging reports on why Tracey departed the club last week. Those reports suggest the athlete may have had concerns over her nutrition programme and how her injured wrist was managed prior to the start of the World Championships in Daegu.

Anthony Davis, the director of Sports, in response to queries about Tracey's concerns regarding nutrition, said the university does provide the athletes with some assistance with their nutrition. However, he is still uncertain as to the real issues behind her departure as he has yet to meet with or hear from the athlete.

MVP president Bruce James yesterday issued a release to members of the media, outlining the direction of the club while defending its culture, particularly as it relates to developing athletes.