Shura Council discusses with local club chiefs Draft Law on Sports Associations

Times of Oman

09-07-2025

Muscat: The Youth and Human Resources Committee of the Shura Council hosted a consultative meeting on Wednesday morning with a number of presidents of local sports clubs.
The meeting was held to discuss the Draft Law on Sports Associations referred by the Government to the Council, as part of the Committee's efforts to ensure that the provisions of the draft law align with the realities and challenges facing sports clubs in the Sultanate.
The initiative also reflects the Council's legislative role as stipulated in Article (47) of the Law of the Council of Oman, which mandates that draft laws prepared by the Government must be submitted to the Council for discussion, approval, or amendment before being referred to His Majesty the Sultan for ratification and issuance.
At the outset of the meeting, Younis Ali Al-Mandhari, Chair of the Committee, welcomed the club presidents and praised their presence and engagement.
He emphasised the importance of direct dialogue in enriching legislative discussions with practical input that supports the development of the draft law in a manner that serves the interests of the sports sector and aligns with the aspirations of the coming phase.
He further highlighted the significance of engaging with sports entities and listening to their perspectives as part of a participatory approach to legislative decision-making in Oman.
Al-Mandhari noted that the draft law is introduced to enhance the legislative framework governing the sports sector, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, through modernising legislation to keep pace with the rapid developments in the sports field.
He stressed the need for a flexible and effective legal framework that regulates relationships between all stakeholders, ensuring a fair and transparent sports environment. The law reflects a national conviction of the importance of sports as a pillar of sustainable development and as a means of fostering national values and promoting a culture of fair competition and teamwork.
During the meeting, the Committee presented key provisions of the draft law, while the club presidents shared a range of perspectives and comments focusing on several legislative and procedural aspects.
Discussions particularly addressed articles related to the formal recognition of sports entities, disciplinary procedures, and mechanisms for resolving sports-related disputes. These discussions underscore the Committee's commitment to engaging directly with stakeholders in the sector to ensure a comprehensive and coherent final version of the law that adopts best legislative and regulatory practices.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants affirmed that the Draft Law on Sports Associations represents a significant legislative step toward regulating the sports sector in Oman. They expressed support for its aim to reinforce the principle of partnership between the state and sports institutions, enhance institutional performance, and elevate sports management toward greater professionalism and sustainability.
It is noteworthy that the new draft law consists of nine chapters and sixty-nine articles. It represents a comprehensive update of the 2007 law regulating private sports associations and affirms the importance of establishing an advanced legal framework that enhances the efficiency of the sports sector and supports the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth in regulating this vital domain.
This consultative meeting was held as part of the sixteenth meeting of the Youth and Human Resources Committee during the second annual session of the tenth term (2023–2027) of the Council, chaired by Younis Ali Al-Mandhari, and attended by Committee members.