FIFA is expected to make a statement this week on the problems within the Zambian and Ghanaian FAs, the BBC has reported. The world governing body has been investigating the two countries over alleged government interference in the administration of the game.
Officials in the two countries are bracing themselves for damning conclusions about what went wrong.
The report from Fifa could have a profound impact on the future of the two federations.
The power struggle in the Football Association of Zambian (FAZ) turned into a full blown crisis on Friday when a faction elected a new Executive Committee.
The group said the committee run by FAZ President Kalusha Bwalya is no longer in charge.
The turmoil in FAZ started last month when four officials resigned claiming they had issues with Bwalya’s leadership style.
This prompted the Sports Council of Zambia, a government body, to set up a committee to investigate FAZ.
But under Fifa rules, national football associations must not be subject to government control.
Ghana on the other hand is expected to escape with a slap on the wrist after government withdrew an order to impose Abedi Pele as a candidate for a vacant Caf post.
The Ghana FA chose its president Kwesi Nyantakyi three months ago to contest next year’s elections but sports minister wanted Abedi to vie for the post.
Sanity has now been restored after the government backed down on its request.
Similar actions by the governments in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Kenya have resulted in bans from international football.
Fifa will examine a report from an independent investigator into issues of interference into the administration of Ghana football.
Excerpts of the report cited issues surrounding Ghana’s pre and post World Cup period where there were allegations and counter allegations over disbursement of funds.
It also cited government’s attempt to nominate former Black Stars captain Abedi Pele to the post of Caf Executive Committee member which the Ghana FA rightly declined and was later withdrawn.
Fifa normally upon awareness of internal and external wranglings in a member association, sends an independent officer to the troubled-area to get at first hand the veracity of all allegations.
He then presents a report to his superiors upon which a firm decision is taken per its recommendations.
Though it is very unlikely that Ghana would be banned by Fifa like it happened with Nigeria, there are signs that a stern warning would be issued which will lead to a subsequent ban if the matter resurfaces.
Source: BBC
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