[REVISION HISTORY]

Chile sports ministry controversy and ministerial resignatì

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2026-08-14 17:34 UTC → 2026-08-15 02:46 UTC · added ~~removed~~

In late July 2026, transparency data revealed that Francisca Mardones, the regional sports secretary for Chile's Maule region, continued to receive more than $10 million in scholarships and related benefits from the national sports institute while drawing a full government salary. The payments, approved verbally by Sports Minister Natalia Duco, sparked criticism over overlapping public funds, despite Mardones’ claim that the scholarships covered delayed salary and personal needs. She formally renounced the scholarship on 2 June 2026. A week later, Minister Natalia Duco responded to the growing criticism. She defended her tenure, stating that only President José Antonio Kast could question her position, and denied allegations of misuse of a government vehicle. Duco also announced a legislative change to the Chilean Labor Code, replacing the term “footballer” with “athlete” to allow professional contracts for all athletes, and called for greater media coverage of sport. The situation escalated in August 2026 when President José Antonio Kast accepted the resignations of both Minister Duco and Undersecretary Andrés Otero, effective 14 August. Their departures followed an investigation by the Comptroller General into the alleged misuse of a government vehicle. While the Ministry of Sport claimed the vehicle was used for a “work meeting,” video footage emerged showing Duco and other officials at a private social gathering involving alcohol and karaoke. Duco’s brief five-month tenure was also marked by controversies regarding the management of the National Stadium for BTS concerts, disputes over athlete apparel, and her initial opposition to Chile hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. Lawyer Francisco Riveros, a former advisor to the Presidency and former manager of the Palestino club, has been identified as the likely successor to lead the Ministry of Sport.

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