Fifa injects K13m into women football
World football governing body, Fifa, has directly funded the National Women Football Committee (NWFC) to the tune of K13 million (about $32 500).
This is the first time that Fifa has injected money directly to a Football Association of Malawi (FAM) affiliate.
Usually, Fifa releases funding to FAM which in turn bankrolls its affiliates such as the NWFC.
NWFC chairperson Severia Chalira confirmed that the funding has seen them earmark projects such as introducing Fifa/FAM Under-20 Cup in all districts, development of a strategic plan and hosting of a women football coaches’ C Licence course.
Said Chalira: “For the first time, money came straight to us. I cannot say why there is a change. Maybe this has to do with the working relationship that was there between FAM and our previous committee.”
“This translates to 37 percent of FAM’s annual funding. Fifa has also challenged us that if we submit financial reports by December, the funding will increase. I understand previously, Fifa would release money to FAM and that 10 percent would be meant for women football.”
She said the Under-20 cup will roll out on September 14 with K6.5 million (about $16 250) allocated for the cup whose actual budget is K10 million.
“The Airtel Cup has done a lot to develop Under-17 players. We, therefore, would like them to graduate into Under-20s. We are thus asking for the private sector to come on board and partner us,” she concluded.
FAM chief executive officer Suzgo Nyirenda and president Walter Nyamilandu did not pick calls on Wednesday despite several attempts.
By the time we were going to press, Fifa had not yet responded to The Nation’s questionnaire on the change in funding modalities in Malawi women football.
On its website www.fifa.com , Fifa says it is committed to women football development in competitions, management, education and promotion.
“Fifa encourages member association’s to request programmes that fit their needs, and which are in line with their own development strategy. A standard budget request and financial report form has been created to facilitate this and guarantee financial transparency,” reads the report.
