Why does the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Leisure make the players and clubs pay for the mistakes of the MFA? These are the concerns voiced out by the representatives of the football clubs during a meeting with the Minister Stephan Toussaint on Tuesday, September 7, at the Cote D’Or Sports Complex.
As a reminder, the ministry has decided to freeze all allocations for MFA-affiliated teams. Until further notice, clubs are no longer permitted to utilise state-owned sporting facilities. A penalty that, according to the ministry, should enable the MFA to reorganise its federation and conduct a review of its “Good Governance” practices. It was his intention to inform the club’s leaders of the ministry’s decision.
Several leaders voiced their dissatisfaction at this discussion, particularly given that the players and football are ultimately the major losers. At the outset of the meeting, Minister Stephan Toussaint emphasized that this is not a punishment but a period of reflection in order to go ahead and develop football in Mauritius.
Additionally, the Minister said that he anticipated the clubs to have financial problems in the future. He highlights, however, that this is a transient state and that it is just a way of taking a step back in order to leap higher up the ladder of success. He thinks that developing a long-term plan for local football is essential at this moment in time.
He further denied that as one of the league’s major sponsors, he heard of the league’s cancellation through social media on 15th July, despite the ministry’s best attempts to resolve the issue to avoid interfering with the championship.
Several leaders used the occasion to remember that with the Quarantine Act in effect and the spread of pandemic, the MFA was forced to ‘cancel’ this season. There were about 100 people in the stadium, while the legislation allows for only 50 people.
Furthermore, the minister reviewed the extra money he provided to the clubs, but the title was not reinstated. Hence, admitting his accountability to the chief audit executive.
One of the managers in attendance underlined the significance of the field for player development, even if the tournament is cancelled in order to maintain the athletes’ physical fitness levels while expecting better days.
Transfers of players were also discussed. The minister then cited a FIFA directive and said that the MFA should have sought a league extension. Also, the leaders urged the government to compensate players who are in severe financial difficulties. At last, a request was made that the authorities allow the clubs to use the fields for training.
