In a proactive move to safeguard the impartiality of sports, the National Sports Council (NSC) has directed that national team athletes must not be used in election campaigns. Yesterday’s formal communication underscores the role of athletes as a national asset and a unifying symbol for citizens, whose reputation should remain free from political association.
The NSC’s directive comes amid reports that some groups are seeking to exploit the popularity of prominent players during the election season. Such utilisation, the council warned, contravenes sports policy and risks contaminating the ethical environment of the national sporting framework. The letter specifically forbids players from appearing at election rallies, promotional events, or being indirectly associated with the campaigning efforts of political parties or individual candidates.
The council urged athletes to focus solely on their sporting excellence to enhance the country’s international standing, rather than becoming embroiled in political activities. “National players’ involvement in electoral campaigns could severely compromise the integrity of the sporting community,” the NSC noted.
Experts say the NSC’s stance aligns with international best practices, where athletes are often legally and ethically required to maintain political neutrality to protect the sanctity of sports. The council called on all relevant sporting organisations to ensure these guidelines are strictly enforced to preserve the professionalism and reputation of the country’s athletes.
