The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has given the chairman of North East region football Association John and the organizers of Ateker Cup of Nations led by it’s CEO Issac Olupot three days ultimatum to retract and apologize on statement mad during the press conference of Ateker cup of nations.
Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) on Thursday 13th August 2026, wrote a letter signed by its prime Minister Andrew Ochole indicating that Mr John Odongo in particular allegedly made statements regarding financial disputes between ICU and Ateker Cup of Nations organizers that the instutution deemed false.
ICU further wrote that, it has rejected and distanced itself with the allegations made by NEFRA Chairman John Odongo and declared that it has No dealing with the Ateker Cup of Nations.
“For the avoidance of doubt, ICU is Not a partner, organizer, sponsor or participant of the Ateker cup of Nations. The tournament is a private initiative and any individual of the public dealing with the organizers should do it in their own capacity,” ICU wrote
How did Mr John Odongo fall into the hot Soup!.
This happened after his speech that was delivered at Sparrow Hotel in the press conference involving Ateker cup of Nations where he was invited as one of the key football stakeholders of the region.
In a statement aimed at addressing the Media Odong said that he once had a meeting with the Emorimori office, who he claimed to have urged to join hands in supporting the Ateker Cup brand.
“I one time had a meeting with the Emorimori’s office and asked why can’t we join Olupot he has the idea, he has the thing and you the people leading the Ateker but you are fighting over this small money,” Odongo Stated
“You cannot get this small money when you’re out, come and help us get money and tell us how much percentage you need to help the ICU”
He also added that ICU may remain alone with the brand if they do not come and join hands with the Ateker cup of Nations.
But on the same note Isaac Olupot the CEO of Ateker Sports and Arts Foundation acknowledged the need for the partnership between the two parties in order for the sport in the region to grow and have the talent being promoted to higher levels.
However ICU added that it has further instructed its legal team to take appropriate action to protect the reputation and integrity of the institution.
What awaits for Odongo and Ateker Cup of Nations.
One, Iteso Cultural Union therefore demanded the individuals involved in question to withdraw statements made about them being involved in financial disputes with the Ateker cup of Nations organizers, secondly individuals in question to issue public and unequivocal apology to the installation (ICU). Thirdly retraction and public apology be made with three (3) days from the day of the press release and finally No further further statements should be made associating ICU and Ateker Cup of Nations with official authorization.
The Ateker cup of Nations is set to kick off on Sunday 16th August 2026 at Soroti Sports grounds with four nations, uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Sudan set to take part.
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