Male’, Maldives (September 11): Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, has assured that the government will not interfere politically in sports associations.
At a press conference held at the President's Office yesterday, Minister Rafiu was asked about the upcoming elections for various sports associations this year and next, and whether the government would exert any influence on these elections.
Rafiu responded, "Regarding whether the government will influence the elections, I can assure you that there will be no such interference in the elections or the administration of sports associations."
He acknowledged that there are issues with the statutes of the National Sports Association that need to be aligned with the National Sports Law as well as existing rules and regulations.
"We have observed that some sports associations are taking issues to court, citing parts of their statutes that do not comply with the National Sports Law or regulations. It is essential to address and correct these issues within the associations' statutes," Rafiu stated.
He also noted that the Commissioner of Sports will handle any issues related to sports associations, ensuring compliance with the rules, regulations, and Sports Law.
Minister Rafiu mentioned that the newly amended Sports Law, which is set to be presented to the People's Majlis next month, aims to address several issues. Among the proposed changes is the introduction of a Sports Arbitration Board, which will operate with the assistance of an international arbitration entity.
Rafiu explained that the current arbitration process is costly for Maldivian athletes and sports associations, but the new arbitration board within the Sports Law is expected to benefit all Maldivian athletes and associations.
