LRLF FEDERATION PRESS RELEASE
SAT 24 MARCH 2018
LRLF FEDERATION STATEMENT
The Lebanese Rugby League Federation has issued the following statement in response to an article that appeared in the 24 March edition of the Sydney Morning Herald, written by Adrian Proszenko and quoting former Lebanon coach Brad Fittler. The LRLF will release a scheduled PR on Monday:
"The Lebanese Rugby League Federation has just completed the most successful year in its history, and its reputation has never been higher both within the international rugby league community and the Lebanese government. We are looking forward to publishing a new strategy which will take the LRLF through the next world cup cycle.
“Concerning Brad Fittler’s comments:
• Suggestions that the leaders of the federation do not work in “the best interests of the game” are preposterous when one considers the Lebanese administrators have developed and grown the sport from nothing despite numerous wars, political and financial crises, have taken on personal debt, have personally paid for medical operations for Cedars players when insurance wouldn’t cover a particular aspect, all with little or no support, purely through their love of the game, which is now played in schools, universities and clubs. The federation has been carrying debts throughout its history and is now completely debt free for the first time through prudent financial management and the efforts of the administrative board members. To suggest these volunteer administrators and leaders do not have the game’s best interests at heart is insulting and baseless. Mr Fittler has not considered Lebanese rugby league fully in making his misguided comments
• “There was no money”: we suggest Mr Fittler considers the revenue of most federations in the international rugby league community. By and large, these all struggle to cope financially and the LRLF is no different, but thanks to our sponsors and partners we were able to support a successful campaign. Some of these sponsors have continued supporting LRLF projects in Lebanon
• The players and staff received 90% of all prize money from the world cup, and, thanks to our partners, the LRLF contributed an additional $25k to the player pool, over and above our agreement with them. When the division of the prize money was explained to Mr Fittler during the world cup his response, in front of witnesses, was “this is more than fair”.
• LRLF’s volunteer administrators also took unpaid leave and forwent income to participate in the campaign. Every player and staff member knew the terms of their commitment from the start
• “There were definitely gripes from the staff about raising funds and where the funds were going”: any suggestions of improper use of funds are inappropriate. LRLF’s accounts are properly submitted to the Lebanese government, the RLIF and our most recent annual accounts are currently being audited and will be published on our website in line with best governance practice
“We wish Mr Fittler luck. He coached the team well during the world cup, for which we are grateful for
