FIFA COVID-19 MONEY FOR FAZ, NOT CLUBS- KASHALA

MUKWIMA CHILALA writes FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) has set the record straight on monies to be paid by FIFA to Member Associations to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19, stating it is for the FA and not clubs. Recently, FAZ had announced plans for a mitigation package to clubs to alleviate financial difficulties created by the halt of the league calendar due to corona virus. Some sectors of society went on to claim that FAZ was extending a FIFA initiative.  “FAZ has noted that the announced US$500,000 has been misinterpreted for support to local clubs as part of the Covid-19 mitigation measure,” FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said. “However, the correct position is that FIFA under its FIFA Forward 2.0 Football Development Programme provides to all Member Associations US$1,000,000 Operations Funding, that is disbursed in two equal instalments annually.” In a statement, Kashala said that the correct position was that FIFA under its FIFA Forward 2.0 Football Development Programme provided US$1,000,000 Operations Funding to all member associations and that is disbursed in two equal instalments annually as part of the FIFA support to all members. The first batch amounting to US$500, 000 is received at the beginning of every year, while the second batch amounting to US$500, 000 is disbursed in July after an audit by FIFA and so subject to a Member Association meeting set developmental criteria. The FAZ General Secretary said the reported US$500,000 funding by FIFA to all member associations was therefore funding for the second batch that would be paid earlier. FAZ has, however, commenced the process of receiving applications for a relief package for members to mitigate the impact of the Covid-19 lock down. The Association has requested clubs to avail information regarding income loss projections in the remaining matches of the season and come up with a reflective picture of their situation. Meanwhile, FIFA has notified its members that it is working on a broader financial relief programme, with the fast-tracking of annual grants being the first step. The Sun