KUWAIT CITY, Dec 27: The 24 sports clubs, whose advertising was abruptly canceled by a ministerial decision, have made a heartfelt appeal to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Their plea is to lift the perceived injustice against them and prevent the potential demolition of Kuwaiti sports. The clubs are also seeking compensation to avoid the looming specter of an international ban, aiming to pull themselves out of the sudden dark tunnel that threatens sports entities. These clubs, whose achievements have proudly raised Kuwait's name in international forums, delivered their appeal during a press conference at the Kuwaiti Lawyers Association.

At the conference, President of the Inspire Cars and Bicycles Club, Rector Falah Al-Mahwaish, condemned last Sunday as a black point in the history of the Minister of Youth and the Public Sports Authority. He highlighted the cancellation of the declaration of 24 specialized sports clubs without reasonable reasons, emphasizing the international achievements these clubs have brought to Kuwait. Al-Mahwaish expressed surprise at the Authority's decision, especially considering the successful hosting of international events such as a diving championship and various regional championships.

Salama Al-Rujaib, representative of the Kuwait Diving and Rescue Club, invoked the Olympic Charter, stating that any member state committed to the United Nations is also committed to the Charter, which discourages non-governmental interference in sports. He questioned whether the decision to cancel club declarations, including those under the Kuwait Olympic Committee, contradicted His Highness the Amir's mentioned concerns about programmed tampering.

Fayez Al-Mutairi, President of the Fakhr Al-Ajyal Equestrian Club, criticized the decision based on Articles 3 and 11 of the Publicity Law. He focused on the specific conditions related to the club's location and the nature of certain sports, emphasizing that some international championships require open, natural environments.

Rashid Al-Kandari, President of the Triathlon Club, described the decision as a settling of scores. He revealed a plan by Director General Yousef Al-Baidan to cancel club declarations, only to re-announce them with new boards of directors after two weeks.

Lawyer Ghanem Al-Dabbous, representing the clubs' defense authority, argued that the decision contradicted the law. He emphasized that the Sports Law, Article 10, allows the cancellation of a club's advertisement only if it does not engage in sports activity for six consecutive months. Al-Dabbous suggested that the decision may have relied on Article 3 of the Sports Law, creating uncertainty about its basis.

The clubs, determined to challenge the decision legally, warned of potential international consequences, including sanctions or a suspension of Kuwaiti sports, if the matter reaches international bodies or the International Olympic Committee.