The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports is moving forward with significant changes to the sports law, introducing an 8-year term limit for officials without retroactive application. This adjustment aims to reshape the governance of sports institutions in Egypt, starting with the upcoming electoral cycle.
According to Mohamed El-Shazly, the official spokesman for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the decision to implement the 8-year limit will not affect previous terms. "Agreement has been reached on adding the 8-year ban to the new sports law and its application without retroactive effect," he stated in an interview with FilGoal.com.
This new clause comes as part of a broader amendment to the sports law, which was initially enacted in 2017. The proposed changes have sparked discussions among various stakeholders, including prominent sports clubs like Al-Ahly, which has been actively seeking clarity on the amendments.
Recently, Al-Ahly submitted a request to Ashraf Sobhi, the Minister of Youth and Sports, to review the proposed amendments before they are presented to the Council of Ministers. The Prime Minister, Mostafa Madbouly, has already indicated preliminary approval of the new sports law, although it has yet to be officially adopted.
In addition to the 8-year term limit, the new law includes several other important amendments. One of the most notable changes is the prohibition of sports boards from nominating themselves for more than two consecutive terms. This measure is intended to promote fresh leadership and prevent stagnation within sports organizations.
Moreover, the proposed changes will facilitate the transformation of sports clubs and organizations into joint stock companies. This shift could open new avenues for funding, as it would allow these entities to be listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange, potentially attracting more investment into the sports sector.
Ahmed Shobier, a well-known sports journalist, also weighed in on the discussions surrounding the 8-year term limit. During his radio program, he reiterated El-Shazly's statements, emphasizing that the new rule will not apply retroactively. "The 8-year ban will not apply to previous cycles, and work on it will begin from the upcoming electoral cycle, or after the law is approved by Parliament," Shobier explained.
This interpretation has significant implications for current officials, including Mahmoud El-Khatib, the president of Al-Ahly club, and Khaled Mortagy, who are now eligible to run for two additional terms without their previous tenures counting against the new limit.
Shobier further revealed a personal conversation he had with Minister Sobhi, where the minister conveyed that the law would not be applied retroactively, although he requested that this information remain confidential until the official announcement was made. Shobier respected this request until it was confirmed by the ministry's spokesman.
The discussions in the Council of Representatives regarding the amendment of sports law No. 71 of 2017 are ongoing. Members are reviewing various aspects of the law, aiming to ensure that the new regulations align with the evolving landscape of sports governance in Egypt.
As these changes unfold, many observers are keenly watching how they will impact the future of sports management in the country. The introduction of the 8-year term limit and the transformation of sports bodies into joint stock companies could significantly alter the dynamics of sports governance, potentially leading to increased transparency and accountability.
In summary, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is set to implement an 8-year term limit for officials in the new sports law, with a clear emphasis on non-retroactivity. As the legislative process continues, stakeholders in the sports community are hopeful that these reforms will bring about positive changes, fostering a more competitive and dynamic sports environment in Egypt.
