CHT Regional Sports Association (RSA) officials disclosed this yesterday.

The RSA, UNDP's official partner, will carry out the programme under direct supervision of the UNDP-CHTDF (Chittagong Hill Tracts Development Facility) while the three district sports associations of the region (Rangamati, Bandar-ban and Khagrachari) will provide assistance, informed RSA vice president Ushaton Talukder at a press conference.

The press conference was hurriedly arranged in the wake of allegations of funds misuse and irregularities in player scrutiny prior to launching of the ongoing 12-team Gold Cup Football Tournament.

"No irregularities took place. Everything is transparent," Ushaton said. "We have screened out players through residential certificates from the circle chiefs following an RSA committee decision," he added.

The UNDP funds will be spent on a campaign titled 'sports for peace' and by organising various competitions in villages, unions and thanas. Development of playgrounds across the hill region was another priority.

Of the total sum, 15-18 lakh Taka is being spent on the Gold Cup Tournament that began here on March 5. The final between Rangamati Mohammedan Sporting Club and Rangamati Sadar will be held at the local stadium today.