Times Of Swaziland: CAF’S E5.4M COVID-19  RELIEF FOR EFA

CAF’S E5.4M COVID-19  RELIEF FOR EFA
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BY LWAZI DLAMINI on 30/06/2020 23:51:00


Sports Editor
MBABANE – Barely 48 hours after announcing an operational surplus of close to
E3 million, the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) will be glad to know that a
sum of US$300 000 (about E5.4 million) is on its way to their account.
The CAF Executive Committee met yesterday via video conference to discuss issues
related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, where it was resolved that an
additional US$16.2 million (about E291 600 000) be handed to the 54-member
associations to mitigate the challenges as a result of the coronavirus. Each
association will be entitled to US$300 000.
According to a press release from CAF, the allocation will be paid immediately
given the dire situation on the ground and the challenges faced by the member
association.
“CAF has allocated an additional US$16.2 million to assist member associations
to mitigate challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Each member
association will be entitled to US$300 000,” part of the statement reads.
The CAF Executive Committee, in the same meeting yesterday, also resolved to
reschedule the Total Africa Cup of Nations 2021 to January 2022. Cameroon will
host the biennial continental showpiece.
“The date for the final tournament and the remaining matches of the qualifiers
will be communicated in due course,” the statement from the CAF website reads
in part.
Postponed
The Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) final tournament has been
postponed until January 2021 in Cameroon.
CAF has also postponed its 42nd Ordinary General Assembly, which was scheduled
for next month to December in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
An elated EFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frederick Mngometulu confirmed the
US$300 000 COVID-19 pandemic relief grant from CAF when reached for comment last
night.
“Yes, the CAF Executive Committee met today and we are delighted at the
assistance they are offering of US$300 000, because the situation created by the
COVID-19 pandemic is dire and very expensive.
“The behaviour from everybody has to change as we also have to consider the
venues when we resume football.
“So definitely, we are happy with any additional assistance from CAF,” he
said.
Mngometulu, however, stressed that such funding comes with strict measures which
they needed to adhere to as accountability is of paramount importance to funds
from the international bodies.
“We have to first know the conditions that come with the funding and see how
we can structure everything as there are conditions attached.
“Moreover, the situation caused by the coronavirus means we have to address
many issues at all levels as we will also need health experts to assist
especially when we have resumed football action,” Mngometulu added.