Shortly before the start of the World Cup, darts boss Werner von Moltke launched a verbal attack on the IOC and the general conditions at the Olympic Games.
“The Olympics are a crime against athletes. Don’t tell me that the Olympics are a great thing. The Olympics are great for the IOC and for the television companies every four years,” said the managing director of PDC Europe on Thursday at a joint press conference with the German top -Player Gabriel Clemens in Saarbrücken. The official complained above all that athletes benefited far too little financially from their success at the Olympics.
Von Moltke cited Formula 1 and US leagues such as the NFL and NBA as counter-examples of successful sports marketing. He also sees darts on the right track. “We have achieved a status that is crazy. We are not only a phenomenon in Germany. It is crazy what has emerged from this small sport,” said von Moltke.
The World Cup begins on December 15th in London. A total of 96 participants are at the start and prize money of 2.5 million pounds (2.92 million euros) will be awarded. The final will take place on January 3rd.
As a semi-finalist from last year, Clemens is one of the extended favorites. “Lives can change there. It is simply the biggest and most important tournament,” said the 40-year-old from Saarland. He plays Alexandra Palace for the first time on December 21st (10pm) and will travel to London on December 19th.