Cannabis Authority Sponsorship of Football Nurseries Draws Criticism
· Updated
In brief
- The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) has sponsored local football nurseries.
- The OASI Foundation expressed concern, urging a review of the decision due to the involvement of children.
- The Nationalist Party criticised the move, stating it shows the country has reached a new low, prompting a reply from a Parliamentary Secretary.
The Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) has recently sponsored football nurseries, a decision that has drawn significant criticism from various quarters.
The OASI Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, voiced its concerns regarding this sponsorship. The foundation highlighted worries about children being associated with funds linked to cannabis. It has called for a reconsideration of the decision, emphasising the need to protect young people from such associations.
The Nationalist Party (PN) also strongly condemned the move. A spokesperson for the party stated that the decision for the cannabis authority to sponsor football nurseries demonstrates that the country has reached a new low. The PN's criticism was met with a reply from a Parliamentary Secretary, though specific details of the reply were not immediately available.
Critics argue that involving children's sports activities with an authority linked to cannabis use sends a confusing message and could normalise cannabis in a context where children are present. The debate centres on the appropriateness of such sponsorships and their potential impact on young participants.
Four employers' associations, all represented at the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD), have issued a rare joint statement. They are calling for the immediate withdrawal of the agreement through which the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) is sponsoring children in football.
The associations' demand highlights growing concern over the appropriateness of a cannabis authority sponsoring activities involving children.
The Spin Room
Low media divide. Newsbook reported the factual development of employers' associations issuing a joint statement.
Updates
- : Employers' associations have jointly called for the immediate withdrawal of the cannabis authority's sponsorship of football nurseries.
- : Updated with reporting from The Independent and MaltaToday: Caritas Malta, employers' bodies, and psychiatrists have also voiced criticism, stating the sponsorship is inappropriate for young people.
- : Updated with reporting from MaltaToday and Net News: the Malta Football Association has established a new committee to oversee sponsorships in response to the controversy.