Ali Thameem
Anti-Corruption Commission has ordered the Badminton Association of Maldives to halt its election amid an investigation over BAM’s corrupt operations.
Investigators from ACC stormed the BAM offices yesterday, on allegations the association continues to broker deals for the personal benefit of certain EXCO members.
One such arrangement is the continued authorization to ‘Askani Sports’ for the dealership of “shuttle”, the badminton ball used in BAM’s tournaments. Moosa Naashid, the president of BAM, owns Askani Sports.
Conflict of interest within the BAM does not end with shuttle sales. BAM has allegedly been leasing premises for the association from residences owned by certain members.
Badminton Association states – in reply to a letter from Mihaaru Sports – that the allegations of corruption regarding shuttle sales are untrue, and that shuttles provided by sponsors are also used in their badminton tournaments. The association adds to the defence of their practice by citing the lack of availability of preferred brands and qualities of shuttles in the market.
A 2017 ACC investigation concluded that the badminton association had not violated any legislation under the Prevention and Prohibition of Corruption Act.
The postponement of BAM elections by order of ACC follows that of the Sports Commissioner, who also advised BAM not to hold the election until its AoA had been amended.
The ruling of the ACC and that of the Sports Commissioner adds to the hindrance in BAM’s elections. The EXCO’s term has expired by the 11th of this March.
