A former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has refuted reports saying that he called for retired footballers who end up broke to be jailed.
He recently described the reports as false and a clear misrepresentation of his position.
Speaking via a press statement titled “Setting the Record Straight,” Ideye revealed that the false reports should be completely ignored because they do not represent his actual views on the subject matter.
“Let me be clear: These statements are completely false and misrepresent my views,” he wrote.
The ex-West Bromwich Albion forward stated that he has always advocated for supporting footballers and athletes, especially in tackling the challenges they face after retirement.
According to him, he would never say anything bad against anyone struggling financially because it is just not in his nature to do so.
“I would never suggest punitive action towards anyone who struggles financially or otherwise.
Instead, I advocate for focus to be on offering all necessary support, resources, trainings and mentorship programmes to help players/athletes navigate the transition from sports to life after the game,” Ideye continued.
Ideye further noted that such conversations about Nigerian football legends must always be addressed with care and empathy, not extreme judgment.
He concluded by warning the media to desist from spreading false claims about him online or offline.
“It’s important to approach these conversations with empathy and solutions, not condemnation.
This article is misleading of my person and character, and I strongly condemn it.
I urge the public to disregard it and ask for the media to desist from false claims and publications as such stories only bring disrepute and sow seeds of discord.
School is not a scam, try to learn how to read and understand the whole story before jumping into conclusions,” he added.
