MPs call to shield sports sector from political influence

Lawmakers, on Tuesday, have called on to shield the Maldivian sports sector from political influence to ensure further development of the sector.

The government-backed bill to amend to Sports Act was submitted to the Parliament by ruling PNC’s Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed. During the debate on the bill, every lawmaker spoke regarding the dire state of the sports sector while emphasizing that the development of the sector can only be achieved by shielding it from political influence.

In this regard, PNC’s Parliamentary Group’s Deputy Leader, Baarah MP Ibrahim Shujau said football, which had been the most hyped sport in the Maldives, is now in a “frail” state.

“The hype around football had been previously prevalent in both Male’ and atolls. We do not see this today. A specific authority for sports had not existed before. But now, there is one specific for sports. Top posts have been created for individuals and they have been reserved tables and chairs,” he said.

Shujau claimed that local councils undertake more efforts to develop sports than the sports associations created for the purpose. He praised the councils for the efforts undertaken in this trajectory on atoll and island scale. 

Nevertheless, he underscored the obstructions when it comes to developing football, particularly highlighting the lack of funds.

“Honorable Speaker, meanwhile, the Football Association’s president is at luxurious apartments,” he added.

Shujau emphasized that the development of sports sector can only be achieved by shielding it from political influence even when faced with situations where there is a lack of funding.

“I question whether spots can be developed unless there is a day all political grip is released from the sector without shifting blame towards this administration and that administration,” he said.

He expressed a positive outlook for sports development in the Maldives if the sports fund proposed in the bill is implemented, which he said will take sports in the nation to a new height.

During the debate, MDP’s Kanditheemu MP Ameen Faisal underscored that islands do not receive any financial assistance provided by international institutions to develop the sports sector. He pointed out the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) as the biggest example of this.

FAM’s former president Bassam Adeel Jaleel has been accused of embezzling funds from the associations from which he allegedly purchased two apartments. He also stands accused of severe corruption allegations; all which he continues to deny.

Ameen emphasized that sports development should be carried out without politicizing the matter and allowing for such corruption to take place. He also underscored the need to give equal opportunities for atolls when it comes to sports development.

“The reality is that Maldives has backtracked in the region when it comes to sport. The reasons behind this should be inquired,” he added.

“There is no moving forward no matter how much we shout here. Stadiums have been developed at islands to some extent. This was first started by the President Yameen. Stadiums were developed. This was further completed in the next administration. The stadiums were leveled, and turfs were installed. The youth’s hope is that the current administration does this even better,” he remarked.

Amending the Sports Act is a crucial target of the current administration which has stated that the amendment will resolve prominent challenges faced in the sports sector at present.