Club and Association Penalties Bill A bill

TDT | Manama

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A bill introducing new penalties for board members of associations, clubs, and sports bodies will be on parliament’s agenda, including fines up to BD50 and possible court-ordered removal in serious cases.

The draft law, linked to Decree No. 110 of 2024, replaces parts of the 1989 legislation and introduces a stepped system of enforcement starting with warnings, followed by fines and, if violations continue, referral to court for removal.

Under the proposed rules, fines would be capped at BD50, doubled for repeat violations, and collected funds would support associations and institutions. Offenders would also have the right to challenge penalties through a grievance process and then in court.

The Services Committee backed the bill in principle but amended it so that removal from office would only be carried out through a court ruling, not administrative decision, to ensure legal safeguards.

The Ministry of Social Development and youth and sports authorities supported the reforms, saying they improve governance while maintaining transparency. However, some civil society groups and the Bahrain Bar Society warned the changes could place additional burdens on voluntary organisations.

The bill also repeals Article 91 of the existing law and updates the penalties framework to improve clarity and enforcement.