Public Authority for Sport Denies Rumors of Amendments to Sports Law

The Public Authority for Sport has stated that discussions regarding potential amendments to Sports Law 87 of 2017 are considered "premature." According to the authority, no amendments or new provisions have been approved as of yet. The rumors circulating about canceling the current Sports Law or replacing it with a new one are unfounded, as reported by Al Rai newspaper.

Clarification from the Acting Director General

Bashar Abdullah, the acting director general of the Public Authority for Sport, clarified in a press statement that the situation involved only an inquiry about a proposal submitted earlier by a former sports leader. This proposal was referred to the Fatwa and Legislation Department for review, but no decision has been made.

Abdullah emphasized that the authority is committed to adhering to legal rules and procedures responsibly, professionally, and transparently. He assured that no amendments to the law will be made until thorough consultations with relevant sports bodies, including the Kuwait Olympic Committee, are completed. This process ensures that any proposed changes are well-considered and based on solid foundations.

Controversy Over Draft Proposal

The circulated draft proposal has sparked controversy due to its similarities with Egyptian Sports Law No. 71 of 2017. Many passages in the draft closely mirror or exactly replicate sections of the Egyptian law. For instance, the draft's penalty provisions in Chapter Fourteen are nearly identical to those in Chapter Ten of the Egyptian law.

Details of the Draft Proposal

The draft proposal suggests limiting the number of members on a club's board of directors to seven, with a four-year term renewable for one continuous or intermittent term. Candidates must have at least ten years of experience in the sports field or provide a financial pledge of at least 50,000 dinars. Additionally, candidates must hold a diploma and be between 35 and 65 years old.

Similarly, the Federation's Board of Directors is proposed to consist of seven members with a four-year term, renewable for one term. Candidates must have ten years of experience in the sport and meet specific age and educational qualifications.

The draft also proposes that the Olympic Committee's Board of Directors be composed of seven members with a four-year term. Candidates should have served on the board of a local, continental, or international sports federation for at least two terms, hold a university degree, and be between 50 and 70 years old.

The draft proposal also includes the establishment of specialized sports federations and the creation of the Kuwait Sports Investment Fund, aimed at achieving sustainability and financial efficiency in professional sports.