By Martin Chawanzi
THE Football Association of Zambia has explained that its sanctioning by FIFA was a result of the delayed audit.
And FAZ president Andrew Kamanga says FIFA has no reason to protect anyone at the association.
Kamanga said FIFA is very transparent and a public statement would have been issued confirming the suspension of any grant just like they announce any other developments concerning Zambia.
“It’s the same standard. They have no reason to protect anyone at FAZ,” Kamanga posted on his Facebook page.
And FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala dismissed stories that FIFA had cut aid to his association. In an interview, Kashala said funding was “as intact as ever”.
“It’s just surprising that people want to create stories out of straightforward issues. The only confirmation I can give you is that the audit was not done in good time, that’s all and that is what led to FIFA to give us those sanctions. That is it. There is no cutting of any FIFA aid,” Kashala said.
“Maybe people are calculating the US$50,000… no! This has been done for a very short period of time. There is no cutting of any aid. The money is still intact.” He called for positive criticism.
“So those who are speculating, I know that you are getting these stories from bitter people. Yes, we are open to criticism but let it be constructive criticism, criticism that is going to build the institution, not dent the image of the institution,” said Kashala.
“Those who wish to take over this institution are welcome and let them build it so that they can find it better than it is today. Unless they show us a written document from FIFA to show that the aid was cut, otherwise, the funding is still intact.”
Last week during the FIFA Council meeting in Kigali, Rwanda, the organisation’s decision-making body approved the amendments to the document that will regulate Forward 2.0, that is, FIFA’s football development funding for its 211 member associations over the course of the 2019-2022 cycle.
“During this period, development funds granted to each member association that complies with the regulations will amount to up to US$6 million, an increase of $1 million compared to the previous cycle,” announced FIFA.
“This sum is broken down into, up to US$1 million per year for operational/running costs, of which $500,000 is subject to the fulfillment of 10 specific activities, including organising men’s, women’s and youth competitions, having active men’s and women’s national teams, running men’s and women’s refereeing programmes, etc. Up to $2 million over the four-year cycle for specific projects based on the contract of agreed objectives, with a strong focus on those related to football infrastructure…”
