Chile Sports Minister Natalia Duco Defends Position and Announces Athlete‑Contract Law Change

Chile’s Minister of Sports, former athlete Natalia Duco, responded to growing criticism of her management, stating that only President José Antonio Kast can question her tenure and confirming that she will remain in office as long as the president wishes.

Duco rejected allegations of improper use of a government vehicle and pointed to recent policy work, including an amendment to the Chilean Labor Code that replaces the term "footballer" with "athlete," allowing professional contracts for all athletes. She made the comments while accompanying the Chile women’s field hockey team on their preparations for the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, urging the media to give sport greater coverage and attention.