A group of international sports federations said World Athletics' decision to award prize money at the Paris Olympics “undermines the values of Olympism and the uniqueness of the Games.”
World Athletics announced last week that it will become the first federation to offer prize money at this summer's Olympics.
Gold medalists in track and field will receive $50,000 (£39,400).
The Summer Olympic International Federation (ASOIF) said in a statement that although World Athletics is also a member, it “has not been provided with information or consulted.”
The federation it represents has “expressed several concerns”, it said.
“You can't and shouldn't put a price on an Olympic gold medal,” the newspaper said.
“Even if they wanted to, not all sports can and should not be able to replicate this move. Paying prize money in a multi-sport environment violates the principle of solidarity and supports different values across sports. and raises many questions.”
Furthermore, it is agreed that Olympic proceeds should be invested preferentially in issues of development and integrity, at least for commercially successful and financially independent international federations. …World Athletics' latest initiative appears to open doors rather than solve problems.” A number of complex problems.
“ASOIF has raised these concerns with World Athletics and will continue to foster dialogue between its members and the IOC.”
Given the Olympic Games' origins as an amateur sporting event, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not award prize money, but instead distributes funds through international federations and national Olympic committees.
World Athletics' move, which will be extended to silver and bronze medalists at the 2028 Games, was widely praised by former athletes when it was announced by president Lord Coe.
In response to ASOIF's statement, World Athletics said: “Awarding this prize to gold medalists at the Paris 2024 Games, and then extending it to all medalists at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, empowers athletes and recognizes the important role they play. It underlines our unwavering commitment to recognizing the… for Olympic success.
“It is impossible to put a market value on winning Olympic medals, but we are confident that a portion of the revenue generated by athletes at the Olympic Games will go directly back to the people who make the Olympics a global spectacle. I think it's important to do so.
“This is a continuation of the journey that World Athletics began in 2015 to ensure that all funds received every four years from the IOC's revenue sharing allocation (approximately $40 million) go directly back into our sport. We are aiming for
He added: “80% of World Athletics' revenue goes directly back into sport.”
Earlier this week, David Lapartient, president of cycling's governing body UCI, said World Athletics' decision was contrary to the Olympic spirit.
Andy Anson, chairman of the British Olympic Association (BOA), was also critical, saying he did not think it was “particularly appropriate or helpful” and said there was a risk of a two-tier Olympics.
Some national Olympic committees offer financial rewards to medalists, but the BOA does not.
