Sports Ministry Dismisses Top Official Over Claims of Serious Management Failures

Nagaissen Valaydum has been removed from his position as Chairperson of the Trust Fund for Excellence in Sports (TFES) following allegations of mismanagement and friction with board objectives.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed the dismissal in a letter issued on Thursday, 16 April 2026.

The correspondence, signed by Acting Permanent Secretary D. Ramdharee, stated that Mr Valaydum’s appointment was being terminated with “immediate effect.”

Ministerial Intervention

Minister Deven Nagalingum defended the decision, citing a breakdown in the institution’s leadership.

While acknowledging that Mr Valaydum was originally appointed for his competencies in February 2025, the Minister claimed that subsequent “excesses” in management necessitated his removal.

“I spoke to him on several occasions to point out that certain things were not correct and needed to be rectified,” Minister Nagalingum stated.

“In the end, this was affecting the smooth running of the Trust Fund. I had no choice but to replace him to ensure results.”

Allegations of Misalignment

Sources within the TFES suggest that the Chairperson’s actions were no longer in line with the board’s strategic direction.

The Ministry reportedly received several complaints regarding his conduct prior to the revocation.

Mr Valaydum, who officially took up his duties in April 2025 following the constitution of a new board, has moved to dismiss the allegations entirely.

“Nothing to Reproach”

Speaking after receiving his termination letter, the former Chairperson claimed he was blindsided by the Ministry’s move, asserting there had been a total lack of communication regarding any grievances.

“The Minister never spoke to me about anything,” Mr Valaydum said. “I have nothing to reproach myself for.

I did my job as it should have been done. One should not come and talk nonsense; I worked for the athletes.”

He added that he had worked “tirelessly” to support high-level athletes and the country, maintaining that he remains unaware of the specific reasons behind his dismissal.

Source: Defi Media