Rwanda Football Federation (Ferwafa) president Vincent de Gaulle Nzamwita has tasked local clubs to ensure accountability of the money they receive from the national football governing body. Shedding light on the issue of funding during last week’s Ordinary General Assembly in Nyamata, Nzamwita warned the official that clubs that do not demonstrate proper accountability will not receive any more financial support from FERWAFA. “Money is available,” he said. “Those who have complied with the requirements including showing how and what they intend to use the money for have received it,” he said. He further noted that, “Things have changed and everyone has to be seen to be accountable through, in addition, all clubs have to obtain legal status so that they can operate legally.” Nzamwita said the reason for getting tough on accountability is “to ensure proper money trails for independent audits by FIFA since these are compulsory and comprehensive integrity checks by all members.” “We also have to present these financial reports to our sponsors like Azam and the Ministry of Sports and Culture when it comes to funding the national teams.” The warning to clubs was a retort to claims that FERWAFA had delayed to disburse money as earlier promised ahead of the start of the new season. Rwanda women football league is sponsored by FIFA, which last year provided US$70,000 (about Rwf48 million) for the league. The funding will this year increase to US$112,500 (Rwf87,153,902). The men’s topflight and second leagues benefit from the sale of TV rights besides FIFA annual grants, while the Ministry of Sports and Culture also supports the second division. Last year, Ferwafa and Tanzanian pay TV Azam signed a five-year contract worth US$2.35m, with the local football governing body receiving US$350,000 (approx. RwF271m) in the first season, while the balance (US$2m) was to be spread over the next four years. Of the Rwf271m, a lion’s share of Rwf96m is shared by the 16 topflight clubs, while the second division clubs are meant to receive Rwf6m each with the rest going on the referees and Ferwafa. In 2015, FERWAFA received US$ 1m (about Rwf806m), including US$206,000 and US$25,000 for planning, administration, event management and marketing respectively, according to the FIFA annual financial reports. Following the election of the new FIFA president Gianni Infantino in February, a number of reforms were approved by the international body, including greater transparency and more enhanced accountability. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
