MBABANE – The saga is far from over.
Despite the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs allegedly refusing to approve her travel to Doha, Qatar, Letticia Viana has once again taken flight to pursue her World Cup ambitions.
This latest development comes as the ministry has dug in its heels, reportedly maintaining its stance that because they did not sanction her previous trip to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, they cannot authorise this one.
Before she can look to the future, the ministry insists she must answer for leaving her post without consent, creating a standoff between her professional duties as a civil servant and her soaring career as an international official.
Viana is scheduled to depart today for the FIFA Video Match Officials (VMO) Seminar, with an expected return next week Friday, yet the silence from official quarters remains deafening.
When approached for comment, the trailblazing official declined to speak, while Eswatini Referee Association (ERA) Chairman Mbongiseni Fakudze steered clear of the controversy by noting that the matter is currently being handled by the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) and the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council (ESRC).
According to an informed source, the invitations from global bodies like FIFA must navigate a complex administrative chain, moving from the EFA through the Sports Council to the Ministry of Public Service.
“This loop has seemingly left Viana with no choice but to travel without a formal blessing, reportedly taking personal leave to ensure she does not miss this elite global opportunity,” the source said.
The source alleged that at the heart of this dispute is the clash between 1980s labour laws and the requirements of modern professional sports, as Viana has reportedly exhausted her 20 days of annual leave during her historic 30-day stint in Morocco.
However, a potential solution lies in the National Sports Bill, which was approved by Cabinet in July 2025.
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Letticia Viana defies Ministry orders, flying to Doha for World Cup assessments while the Sports Bill nears Parliament. (Courtesy pic)