Nam could face Fifa suspension

THE world football governing body, Fifa could suspend Namibia from participating in international under 17 and under 20 tournaments unless the country creates competitive youth development teams soon.The special advisor to the Namibia Football Association’s (NFA) President, Barry Rukoro told football officials and administrators in the Karas region this week , that consequently all NFA associated teams might in future be compelled to have development and reserve teams.

Rukoro was speaking at an information meeting that was aimed at clarifying the new league structures to football structures officials in the region. He stressed that the new league format is a must as the country has currently too many associated football teams.A lack of financial resources and the vastness of the country also compelled the NFA, with assistance from Fifa to set up a new structure for all different leagues.Rukoro could, however, not comment much on the financial situation of the NFA as funding negotiations with the Namibia Football Consortium are currently at a sensitive stage.He noted that the NFA would only be able to confirm whether any and how much assistance would be given to the Nationwide First and Regional Second division clubs, who until now had to foot their own bills.He stressed that the new league format is a must as the country has currently too many associated football teams.A lack of financial resources and the vastness of the country also compelled the NFA, with assistance from Fifa to set up a new structure for all different leagues.Rukoro could, however, not comment much on the financial situation of the NFA as funding negotiations with the Namibia Football Consortium are currently at a sensitive stage.He noted that the NFA would only be able to confirm whether any and how much assistance would be given to the Nationwide First and Regional Second division clubs, who until now had to foot their own bills.