Lutte TV Awards 2026: the Ministry of Sports denies any “lack of consideration” and points to an informal invitation

Two days after the Lutte TV Awards ceremony, the Ministry of Youth and Sports responds to criticism of the absence of its minister. In an “update” published this Monday, September 21, 2026, it claims to have received no official invitation and places the responsibility on the organizers.

The ceremony was held on Saturday September 19 at the NOOM Hotel in Dakar. The absence of the minister had sparked criticism, some denouncing a lack of interest in the world of wrestling. The ministry responds by citing “public allegations” and “an alleged lack of consideration towards the wrestling sector”.

“No official invitation”

The ministry is categorical: the minister “received no official invitation to this event through institutional channels”. He goes further by quoting the organizers, who “themselves admitted to having only contacted the Ministry 48 hours before the ceremony, through an informal channel”.

According to the press release, this late contact was explained by “the uncertainties which weighed on the holding of the event”. The ministry draws the following conclusion: “no participation could reasonably be scheduled”.

A reminder of the “sport governance framework”

The text then takes a firmer tone. The ministry recalls “the requirement to respect the sports governance framework, particularly in their relations with the administration”. He also launches “a call for responsibility in public speaking, especially on the part of people cited as models”, without naming anyone.

The department assures that it “works to the development of all sporting disciplines, without distinction” and “reaffirms its constant commitment to wrestling, the national sport and heritage of our country”. He concludes that “the failings of actors cannot be covered up by disinformation and manipulation”.

OBN