Hungary proposes law to bar politicians from sports leadership

A new legislative proposal has been submitted to the Hungarian Parliament aimed at separating sports management from political influence. The draft law, noted by Deputy Prime Minister Bálint Ruff, establishes strict conflict-of-interest rules for various government and political figures.

Under the proposed regulations, members of Parliament, MEPs, county assembly presidents, and high-ranking officials in state-owned companies would be prohibited from holding leadership positions in sports associations, federations, or sports businesses. This restriction would apply during their term of office and for four years following the end of their tenure.

Attila Kálnoki-Kiss, State Secretary for Sport, stated that the goal is to ensure sports organizations operate with transparency and fair play, preventing political connections from dictating professional activities or sports financing. The initiative follows comments from Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who previously criticized the perceived political capture of the sports sector.