The Ministry of Youth and Sports has unveiled a set of new regulations designed to ensure safety, professionalism, and alignment with national sports policy.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting chaired by Minister
Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, bringing together State and Administrative Areas
Coordinators and the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA).
The discussions centered on enhancing the management of
community tournaments and strengthening the role of sports as a vehicle for
unity and peace.
“Effective 2026, all community tournaments will be played in
their respective States or Administrative Areas,” the Ministry's page posted on Saturday.
“Governors or Chief Administrators shall make a request if
they desire tournaments to be shifted from their States to national capital.”
The Ministry further stated that tournament organizers must
register in advance, allowing coordination with sports bodies and law
enforcement to ensure safety and professionalism.
The move follows a violent incident on August 25, 2025, at
Buluk Playground in Juba, where referees were attacked during a match between
Tonj North and Awerial.
In response, the Referees Department of the South Sudan
Football Federation (SSFF) suspended all international and national referees
from officiating in community tournaments within Juba.
However, officials say the reforms aim to go beyond crisis
response, focusing on institutionalizing and professionalizing community
sports.
With these measures, the government hopes to create an environment where sports are not just entertainment, but a structured, secure, and unifying force across the country.