Government to establish sports dispute resolution body

TANZANIA: THE Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Damas Ndumbaro said recently that the government is looking forward to establish a sports dispute resolution body under the National Sports Council.

He said the body is expected to address various conflicts that arise within sports associations and federations. He said such conflicts have been major setbacks to the development of sports industry in the country.

Ndumbaro stressed that the body will help to fostering productivity, success and development in the sports industry.

The Minister added that conflicts within sports associations have been a significant issue in the past, with some engaging in infighting, others resorting to media, and some even ending up in court.

He explained that resolving such conflicts consumes valuable time that could otherwise be used to brainstorm strategies for sports development. He said: “to minimize conflicts, the government will establish clear regulations for sports associations to disclose financial information,”.

Moreover, sports associations and federations have been urged to set up development strategies and operational offices to ensure sports progress.

“To realize growth in sports, there must be cooperation and creativity, sports associations and federations need to work hard with clear goals of bringing positive changes in their respective areas, but these goals can not be attained if officials spend time fighting and tarnishing images of each other,” he noted.

The Minister said the sports sector currently generates over half a million jobs, and the government is aware of its importance in bringing changes in the country.

The Minister has formed a 11-member committee, chaired by Leonard Thadeo, to ensure that conflicts within associations and federations are minimized.

Dr Ndumbaro also highlighted the need for sports stakeholders, especially sports associations, to prioritize professionalism in their operations.

According to Dr Ndumbalo, some football clubs have been the epicenters of conflicts, and clubs like Simba and Yanga were among clubs that have been engaging in disputes.

“These two clubs were always involved in conflicts from time to time, however, for now, they have been able to resolve such challenges and I urge other clubs to borrow a leaf from these clubs,” he noted.

However, these clubs have since resolved their conflicts, and Ndumbaro emphasized the need for others to follow suit.