….Proposal Gives Continental Association More Authority
By Maxwell Kumoye with additional agency report
In its bid to accelerate and fast track global administration of athIetics, Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), is pushing for new reforms including Continental Associations directly electing its own representatives.
CAA came out with this very laudable and proactive administrative rejig after it council and Congress meetings under the stewardship of President Hamad Kalkaba Malboum, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South-West, Nigeria.
AN EXCEPTION
Under the CAA’s proposed reform, the presidency is an exception.
The position of President of World Athletics would remain subject to the traditional election by the WA General Assembly, thus preserving a form of institutional unity.
The proposal goes further by suggesting that, for all World Athletics Commissions and Working Groups, the nomination of members should also fall under the authority of the Continental Associations, according to a pre-established quota set by WA regulations.
This approach aims to ensure real diversity within the technical and strategic circles of global athletics.
A NEW MOMENTUM TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL SPORTS DEMOCRACY
The CAA’s initiative is part of a global movement calling for more:
• Democracy
• Transparency
• Balance in the governance of major sports federations
A good number of observers believe that such a reform, if supported by other Continental Associations, could become a model for other sports and help create a more balanced, representative, and inclusive international sports world.
MULTIPLE CHALLENGES
The proposal will face multiple challenges in its implementation. Despite its ambitions, this resolution will have to overcome several obstacles.
Naturally, it requires building consensus among other Continental Associations.
There will also be negotiations with the World Athletics Council, which may fear a loss of influence for certain continents.
Finally, regulatory texts will need to be adopted according to a timeline compatible with the desired institutional evolution.
Inspired by the spirit of Abeokuta, the CAA’s proposal could well usher in a new era for athletics.
It reaffirms the legitimacy of emerging continents and raises the fundamental question of equity in international sports.
Only time will tell whether this ambitious reform will find global resonance and lead to a profound transformation.
