BFA awaits P100m FIFA windfall
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday January 14, 2023 06:00
FIFA has announced an increase in funding for all its member associations in the next cycle of Forward 3.0 which begins this year. Each federation will receive a conditional $1,250million (approx. P15million) every year for operations.
The first batch of $650,000 (approx. P7.8million) will be disbursed in the first half of the year to help each association achieve a 11-point plan. “Based on attaining the 11-point plan, then FIFA will give the association another $600,000 in the second half of the year,” BFA chief executive, Mfolo Mfolo told Mmegi Sport this week. “These funds are basically for operations, to ensure the smooth running of the association.
However, there are conditions attached to getting the second batch ($600,000) as FIFA will evaluate progress on the 11-point plan. Each point is worth $50, 000,” he added. Under Forward 2.0 each association received $1million (approx. P12million) every year for operations.
Under the new cycle, which runs between 2023 to 2026, the BFA will receive around P15million every year, which is an increase of 25% from the previous cycle. FIFA will pour in $3million (approx. P36million) for projects, but this is subject to approval.
This represents a 50% increase from the Forward 2.0 cycle, where national associations received $2million. “The BFA has to make a business case to receive these funds.
At the moment, we still have a project in Kazungula where we are building a technical centre, under Forward 2.0 projects.” He said under Forward 3.0 the intention is to build offices in each region or block and also have a useable pitch with a turf.
The other funds from FIFA will be to fund national teams’ travel which has been increased from $200,000 to $250,000 yearly. “FIFA has emphasised that these funds should be used mostly for junior teams,” Mfolo said.
FIFA will also provide $100,000 every two years as solidarity equipment fund. The funds are meant for equipment and have remained unchanged. The BFA has bitter memories from the last FIFA funds which were diverted for other unintended purposes, and the development claimed the scalp of chief executive officer, Goabaone Taylor. BFA first vice president, Marshlow Motlogelwa also quit as a result.