FIFAWorldCupMediaOfficer)

As the deadline for re-election of office bearers to the respective NSAs, in accordance with the new Sports Law, falling on May 31, many sports lovers in their respective NSAs have started their campaigns already. It is evident there are many battlefields created, just as in a political war scenario, with many commanders developing strategies to win the battle. One wonders whether it is purely to develop the game or, to be a prominent figure in the country, by becoming president of a popular NSA and enjoy all the perks. If they really love the game, they should plan and implement, in these 6 months, to develop their short term strategies, especially to go for a medal at the next SA Games, which is the Olympics of SAARC countries. Then, after the new office bearers or, exiting ones, win back, they could continue with their plans to reach the goals. But unfortunately now, with these divisions and unethical practices taking place focusing on elections, what will happen is, they will be fully involved in the election plans, and will not concentrate on the winning strategy. Thus creating many conflicts and divisions among officials, administrators, staff and players. Like the voters and supporters in a general election, the regional and league voters will benefit from many monetary facilitations, overseas trips and tamasha’s thrown around lavishly by the contestants, to enhance their voter base. In Football, the Executive Committee is divided and the top officials claimed they were not permitted to carry out their plans by some ExCo Members, as now they are ranked 196 by FIFA. Now they are looking forward to working on their own, without interference, and want to be re-elected to do a better job. The election will be fiercely contested, and the present administration of the sport is in disarray. The Sports Minister, after many debacles, has managed to implement the Sports Law, and the 4-year term is acceptable, provided the correct man is selected, otherwise, it will be disastrous. There are too many voters and leagues created, purely to get the votes in their favour. While the FFSL is fighting inside and passing the ball, and working for elections, the Maldives have already developed their strategies and have appointed Darren Stewart the Australian International Player and a renowned coach, as their National Coach, and the team has started practising. They have 21 clubs which have voting rights at the elections, compared with 75 leagues with voting rights in ours. The officials should think twice before voting, as to who will be the best to run the FFSL, at least, to go for a medal at the next SAG/SAFF Championships. The Sports Minister’s efforts are in vain, when we look at these divisions of officials and their conflicts of interests in many NSAs, which have led to zero level performances and results. In this scenario, the elections will not be free and fair in these NSAs. You are responsible to the people and all sports lovers in the country.