StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) clubs and other competitions such women football and lower divisions can breathe a sigh of relief after international soccer body, Fifa, approved a respite fund to help them deal with the Coronavirus effects.
On June 25, the Fifa Council approved $1.5bn as Covid-19 relief fund for Member Associations, which domestic FA, Fufa, will pass on to stakeholders. Part of these funds is, however, ring-fenced for women football.
There has also been an approval of an interest free loan facility to Fifa members up to 35 per cent of the audited books of accounts of their annual revenues. These funds are expected to be disbursed in installments and will undergo the same stringent audit processes of Fifa.
“Just like the Fufa President (Moses Magogo) mentioned on various media platforms and while meeting various stakeholders, Fifa was preparing an intervention,” said Ahmed Hussein, the Fufa Spokesperson and Communications Director.
“We are glad it was approved and also been vindicated. On behalf of the Uganda football community, we wish to thank Fifa for supporting World Football and we will ensure that these funds are utilised in accordance with the rules and the objectives for which they are sent.”
According to Hussein, the Executive Committee of Fufa will propose the appropriation of these funds but that it is the General Assembly to approve these budget variations.
“The target of utilisation of these funds shall be supporting football to manage the current and post Covid-19 effects to the game in Uganda so that football can return and get better.
“In the immediate while, Fufa Executive Committee is going to convene an online Extra Ordinary General Assembly for discussion of these matters so that the funds are available and allocated to beneficiaries.”