New Legal Bill Replaces 2016 Sports Act to Revolutionise Mauritian Football

In an exclusive interview with l’Express, Mauritius’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Deven Nagalingum, has pledged to completely redefine the country’s sporting landscape through a revolutionary new legislative act, whilst simultaneously spearheading a fierce nationwide battle against synthetic drugs.

The Minister’s sweeping agenda is anchored by three core pillars: the repeal of the outdated Sports Act 2016, a merciless campaign against substance abuse, and the total “democratisation” of sport across the island.

A New Era for Mauritian Sport

Speaking on the rapidly changing demands of modern youth, Minister Nagalingum emphasised the urgent need for structural reform.

“Sport evolves in a environment of perpetual change,” he stated, explaining that his primary objective is to consolidate the fundamental pillars of both athletic participation and sports administration.

Central to this vision is the “Sport for All” concept, designed to make physical activity and leisure accessible to citizens in every corner of the island under the banner of the Anou transform nu landrwa (“Let’s transform our locality”) programme.

The Minister sharply criticised the previous regime for abandoning regional technical centres and sports schools.

He revealed that he has since revitalised these facilities to help amateur athletes transition into elite competitors.

Today, Mauritius boasts seven centres of excellence integrated into Mauritius Multisports Infrastructure Ltd (MMIL), two of which are now fully operational.

On administrative governance, the Minister confirmed that the Sports Act 2016 will soon be replaced by a modernised legal framework designed to overhaul the entire ecosystem.

“The bill will soon be presented to the National Assembly,” Nagalingum promised.

However, the ambitious overhaul faces headwinds. The Minister acknowledged that many of the nation’s sporting infrastructures are currently in a “pitiful state.”

While an upgrading exercise was launched immediately upon his arrival at the ministry, current economic difficulties have delayed progress.

The War on Synthetic Drugs

Beyond the pitch, Minister Nagalingum is tackling a societal crisis: the proliferation of synthetic drugs.

Describing substance abuse as an “enemy of society,” the Minister noted that the fight is a top priority shared by the Prime Minister.

To combat the epidemic, a National Drug Control Commission (NDCC) has been established under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister, with Nagalingum serving as a key member.

Taking localized action, the Minister recently chaired a fact-finding meeting with NGOs and stakeholders in his own constituency.

Following this, he requested the Mayor of Beau-Bassin/Rose-Hill to establish a dedicated drug commission to provide permanent monitoring of the local situation.

“I have set up a working group that is currently drawing up an action plan to be implemented in the Rose-Hill region. If this formula proves effective, it can then be replicated on a national scale.”
— Deven Nagalingum, Minister of Youth and Sports

The Minister added that he intends to convene a high-level meeting with the police force and other relevant stakeholders in the near future, vowing never to back down from the fight.

Parliamentary Tensions and Legal Confidentiality

The Minister rejected strong criticisms regarding a perceived lack of transparency within the National Assembly, particularly concerning a Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) investigation into a football player’s transfer and ongoing legal proceedings involving the president of the Mauritius Football Association (MFA).

“You are sorely mistaken,” Nagalingum fired back, defending his commitment to truth and public interest.

“But that does not mean I will go so far as to violate the Standing Orders of the National Assembly or other legal principles.”

The Minister explained his constraints on the two high-profile cases:

• The Player Transfer: Because an FCC investigation is actively underway, the Minister is strictly bound by a duty of confidentiality under both the Standing Orders and the FCC Act 2023. “My hands are tied,” he admitted.
• The MFA President: The controversy stems from a criminal case in Madagascar. While opposition MP Mr Quirin claimed that the MFA President’s appeal had been rejected—depositing a document to the Assembly as proof—Nagalingum revealed that the tabled document was actually a judgment of first instance and was deemed inadmissible.
• The Minister confirmed he holds a privileged document proving the appeal hearing, originally set for 28 May 2026, will be heard on 25 June.
• The Ministry of Youth and Sports, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is monitoring the matter closely.

Political Realignment: Breaking with Bérenger

The interview also shed light on Nagalingum’s dramatic political shift. Once regarded as one of Paul Bérenger’s most loyal lieutenants, Nagalingum chose to break ranks following the 2024 legislative elections.

During the 2024 campaign, the Alliance du changement—led by Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger—had promised radical reforms to the electoral system, regional administrations, and sports.

“I was deeply convinced that Paul was fully committed to fulfilling these promises. But he chose another path. I could not follow him,” Nagalingum explained.

Refusing to plunge his constituents in Constituency No. 19 and government militants back into the opposition benches where they had languished for “too long,” Nagalingum elected to remain in government.

“I chose to stay in government, support the Prime Minister, and work for my country and my constituency.”

World Cup Hopes

Turning to international football, the Minister shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.

The expansion has allowed ten African nations to qualify, alongside tournament debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

Nagalingum expressed hope that Mauritius might follow in their footsteps in the near future.

“I hope with all my soul that it will be a vehicle for peace, brotherhood, respect, and unity, both in Mauritius and across the world,” he said, calling on the public to unite beyond political divides.

On a personal note, the Minister revealed where his allegiances lie for the tournament. “My heart beats for England.

I hope they will repeat the feat of 1966, when they won their one and only World Cup. But come what may, may the best team win!”

Source: l’Express