FIFA is frustrating Africa — Nelson
A director of Accra Hearts of Oak, Frank Nelson Nwokolo, has argued that FIFA’’s position against government involvement in the running of the game in Africa is a serious aberration that is becoming an irritant to the people and only breeding corruption in the game.
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He said the tax payers whose money were continously being expended on national football teams, were growing impatient over the passive participation of governnment in the affairs of the game due to FIFA’s non-interference clause which made it difficult for government to demand accountability.
In an interview with the Graphic Sports, Mr Nwokolo bemoaned the situation whereby government remained the biggest sponsors of the game in Africa, yet given very little say in its administration, saying it has become a source of frustration for everyone who cares about the way taxpayers monies are used in Africa.
“It is no secret that all the major activities of football in Africa, particularly the national teams are funded by government. In fact, even clubs in pursuit of continental honours are sponsored by government. For instance, Enyimba F/C’s continental bills are often picked by the Federal government of Nigeria and this run through most countries.”
This is a far departure of what pertains in Europe where football is virtually funded by the private sector and truely independent,” he posited.
Citing the recent embarassment of Ghana and Nigeria following the flying of dollars to pay players in a bid to stem player agitation, Mr Nwokolo wondered why in those situations both the Ghana Football Association and their Nigerian counterparts, the Nigerian Football Association(NFA) did not find the money to save the two nations from disgrace.
Already, FIFA has suspended Nigeria for what it described as Nigeria’s interference in the affairs of the NFA.
“FIFA must know that Africa has a perculair situation and must create a window for the continent to allow government to fully participate in the elections and running of the game,” he stated.
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“This situation whereby FIFA often threatened countries with ban or suspension when they demand accountability is unhealthy and making FIFA look bad and corrupt among the general African populace.”