S Africa withdraws controversial sports regulations

S Africa withdraws controversial sports regulations

JOHANNESBURG, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The South African government has withdrawn proposed sports regulations that would have given Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile the power to select teams, Beeld newspaper reported on Wednesday.

"The regulations would effectively have given Makhenkesi Stofile the power to prescribe who should play for the Springboks or open the bowling for the Proteas," reported the Afrikaans daily, quoting a senior government source.

The regulations were delivered to sports federations in December and the deadline for comment was shortly after Christmas.

The proposal was published as a supplement to the existing law on sport and recreation but Beeld was informed on Tuesday night that the regulations had been withdrawn.

South African Rugby president Oregan Hoskins said the regulations were unacceptable.

"I gave up my right to change teams long ago so that the final decision rests with the coach. Now the government can decide who plays or not?" commented Hoskins.