The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) will receive US$ 1.5 million from the World football governing body, FIFA, Covid-19 relief funds, the GFF announced here on Monday.
A statement said FIFA Council have approved funds as Covid-19 relief funds for all Member associations and the GFF will be entitled to US$ 1,000,000 (Universal Solidarity Grant) and US$ 500,000 (Women Football Support).
The statement further disclosed that the funds are expected to be disbursed to member associations and the first US$ 500,000 will be paid in July 2020 and the second US$ 500,000 in January 2021, while the US$ 500,000 support to women’s football will also be paid in July 2020.
To ensure effective oversight, FIFA said it has devised strict control measures for the use of the funds and they shall undergo the same FIFA stringent audit process.
In addition, member associations can access an interest-free loan facility up to 35% of the audited books of accounts of their annual revenues.
The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) observed “to be in line with its constitution, its executive committee will propose the appropriation of these funds after consultations with relevant football stakeholders and the general assembly to approve the expenditures”.
The GFF said, as announced in it earlier Covid-19 relief fund support to clubs, the GFF will utilize the funds to manage the current and post-covid-19 effects to football in The Gambia by supporting members, football infrastructure development and administration.
The GFF pointed out that the executive committee is currently studying the FIFA Covid-19 relief Plan regulations and consulting relevant GFF organs prior to tabling the planned appropriation of funds (Budget) to the GFF general assembly for approval as there will be a major variation in the approved budget for the current year.
The Gambia Football Federation and its members commended FIFA for the gesture.
In the same development, the GFF also declared the 2019/2020 domestic league null and void, declaring no winners, no promotions and relegation.
The GFF stated that this development followed due consultation with the GFF affiliate clubs which is as a result of the declaration of a State of Public Emergency by President Adama Barrow amidst the Coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19).
The GFF disclosed that it will allow the current number ONE and Number TWO of the 1st Division League (Real De Banjul FC and GAF FC) to represent the Gambia in the CAF club championship and CAF confederation’s cup respectively.