Stern action is set to be taken by the Ministry of Sports for the sporting bodies that have defaulted the submission of audit documents added the Minister of Sports Faiszer Musthapha who convened a special media briefing last weekend with the sporting bodies affiliated under the ministry.
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Addressing the media and the respective bodies, the Minister of Provincial Councils, Local Government & Sports Faiszer Musthapha stressed that it was mandatory that each sporting body submit their audited reports for the respective calendar year prior to the next Annual General Meeting (AGM).
“It is necessary to have an audited report to check on financial irregularities. There can be big financial problems in associations that do not audit their accounts. I have to state that if anyone sits as a chairman or official of an association and has not submitted the audited reports of the previous year then you have a legal obligation regarding any frauds or irregularities that have taken place.” The minister added.
He further stated that it is the responsibility of the individuals who held office previously to hand over the audited reports to the Auditor General prior to the next AGM date. He also pointed out that there are certain bodies who have not submitted a single report to the auditor and such associations will be looked at strictly during his tenure, making sure that the legalities are met.
“There are some sports associations that have never submitted audited reports. As Minister, I will be taking stern action regarding this.”
Sports Minister looking for a Policy change
Currently under the ‘Sports Act of 1973’ the minister of sports exercises a vast power over its affiliate bodies with regard to the approval of sports teams, the appointment of national selectors and when it comes to distributing funding.
The minister hence wants to take another look at the structure to bring in transparency in a bid to bring effective management.
“I have therefore appointed a legal committee. Six lawyers have volunteered to assist me free of charge. I will be obtaining the views of the public subsequent to obtaining the views of sports associations. I will give 14 days for this.
This is a journey we have to go together. I am not ready to be partisan. The Minister is accused of being partisan when elections to sports associations are due.”
In the coming weeks, the minister is set to meet with the relevant stakeholders to discuss the possibilities of bringing in reforms to the current system.
“There is a difference in the Sports Act and other Acts. The Chief Accounting Officer of other Ministries is the Secretary. According to the Sports Act, the Minister can supersede the Secretary. We need to find a solution to this issue.”
