By Sungie Ngulube
BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Federation of International Football Associations (Fifa) has not yet approved a Football Association of Malawi (FAM) request to reallocate special projects funding towards Covid-19 Special Relief Fund (SRF).
FAM general secretary Alfred Gunda confirmed the development Tuesday but signaled that the association is not panicking over the matter.
Last month FAM established the MK350 million SRF hoping to largely use the 2020 Fifa special projects financial package totalling to UIS$400 000 (around MK292 million).
In an interview, Gunda said: “We are still waiting for the processes that Fifa is undertaking following the submission. We are hoping to feedback soon.”
Through the SRF, Super League club players and team officials, Women’s Football Regional League teams and elite referees are expected to be receiving a monthly allowance.
This initiative was expected to be effected next month. Asked if they are not panicking as less than 10 days remain before June, Gunda sounded optimistic everything will be in order.
“It’s in the interest of FIFA to make sure football stakeholders are supported in this tough period as such initiatives of this nature are being handled with urgency,” he said.
Karonga United general secretary Ramzy Simwaka said they were hoping the initiative gets approval as they are have been badly affected by the Covid-19.
“We are struggling to pay our players and this initiative is our only hope. We just hope that the Fifa will approve the funds,” he said.
Some quarters have been accusing FAM of rushing to announce the bailout package before getting Fifa approval.
However, in a separate interview with football analyst George Chiusiwa said FAM is optimistic of getting the funds hence the decision to announce the Special Relief Fund formation.
“I am sure FAM got tipped the initiative would get the Fifa approval. So, let us wait and see what happens in the next few days,” he said.
As of May 19, 2020, Malawi had 71 Covid-19 cases with three deaths.