The government has announced a salary increase for General Secretaries of national sports associations, raising their monthly pay to MVR 20,000 as part of a broader reform effort aimed at improving governance and accountability in the sector.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu outlined a series of measures designed to strengthen the operational capacity of sports bodies across the country. The briefing focused on both completed initiatives and upcoming plans under the ministry’s annual agenda.
New Regulation to Assess Operational Standards
At the heart of the reform package is a new regulation currently being drafted to evaluate how sports associations are managed.
Minister Rafiu explained that significant groundwork has already been completed, particularly in developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that will serve as measurable benchmarks. These indicators are expected to provide a structured framework for assessing efficiency, transparency, and overall administrative quality.
“For the continued improvement of sports association operations, we have made considerable progress on a number of KPIs,” he said, adding that the ministry aims to finalize and implement the assessment framework in the near future.
The goal, according to the minister, is simple but crucial: create a clear and fair system to measure operational performance. Without proper evaluation tools, oversight becomes difficult. With them, accountability becomes standard practice rather than an afterthought.
Financial Oversight and Audit Support Strengthened
Beyond performance measurement, the ministry has also turned its attention to financial management.
Training sessions have already been conducted for individuals responsible for handling financial transactions within sports associations. These sessions focused on strengthening bookkeeping practices and ensuring funds are managed responsibly.
In addition, a solution has been introduced to address long-standing challenges related to regular audits. An arrangement has been reached with the Olympic Committee to hire an external audit firm. This will allow associations that lack the internal capacity to conduct audits to undergo independent financial reviews.
Such oversight measures are expected to increase transparency and build greater public trust in how sports funds are utilized.
General Secretary Salary Increased to MVR 20,000
One of the most immediate changes announced is the salary adjustment for General Secretaries.
Previously earning MVR 15,000 per month, General Secretaries will now receive MVR 20,000. Minister Rafiu emphasized that these officials work full time managing the day-to-day affairs of their respective associations.
By increasing compensation, the ministry hopes to encourage longer working hours and greater professional commitment to administrative duties. The position, he noted, requires consistent attention and organizational leadership.
The reform does not stop at salary adjustments. Budget support has also been allocated to allow associations to hire two additional staff members under the supervision of the General Secretary. These employees will primarily focus on documentation and administrative processes, ensuring smoother internal operations.
According to Rafiu, improving the working environment within associations is key to strengthening the broader sports ecosystem. When administration runs efficiently, athletes and coaches can focus on performance rather than paperwork.
Taken together, the measures reflect a wider push toward professionalizing sports governance in the Maldives. Structured evaluations, financial training, independent audits, and better staffing are all part of a coordinated effort to raise standards.
