With national elections approaching, the National Sports Council (NSC) has issued a decisive warning against the use of national team athletes in political campaigning. According to an official letter sent yesterday, the NSC emphasised that athletes are not only ambassadors of sports but also symbols of national unity, whose image should remain free from partisan politics.
The council expressed concern that certain individuals or groups might attempt to exploit the popularity of prominent players to gain political advantage. Such actions, it stated, would contravene the principles of sports policy and could damage the professional and ethical environment of the sporting community.
Under the NSC’s directive, national athletes are prohibited from attending political rallies, participating in campaign promotions, or being used directly or indirectly to endorse any party or candidate. Players are expected to focus on their sporting performance, thereby upholding the nation’s prestige on the global stage.
The NSC warned that any violation of these instructions could significantly undermine the healthy environment of sports in the country. All relevant authorities, including sporting federations and clubs, have been instructed to ensure that these rules are fully implemented.
Observers noted that the council’s stance reflects a growing awareness of the need to maintain a clear boundary between sports and politics. By protecting athletes from political exploitation, the NSC aims to safeguard both the integrity of national sports and the respect afforded to its players domestically and internationally.