JOHANNESBURG African countries are set to receive US$70 million from FIFA for the development of football on the continent, the world football governing body said in statement last week. FIFA said the money to be shared among the 53 football associations in the continent is earmarked for the construction of 58 football pitches and to fund159 refereeing and club management courses as well as improving IT systems of the federations.
“FIFAs motto during the years building up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa has been that this tournament will not only benefit the host country, but the entire African continent.
One of the projects that champions this goal to leave a lasting football legacy is the ‘Win in Africa with Africa’ programme, in which FIFA has set aside a budget of US$70-million for several projects,” said FIFA last Thursday.
Africa’s is lagging behind other continents in terms of infrastructure and professional football management. While funding has been a hindrance, critics have pointed out that corruption within the football leadership has also contributed to the setback.
The continent is currently hosting its first World Cup where five of the continent’s representatives fared badly.
Ghana was the only team to give a commendable performance at the tournament, with the rest of the African sides including host Bafana Bafana tumbling out in the first round.
Poor preparations and have been blamed for the poor performance by the other teams, namely South Africa, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria and Ivory Coast.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News