THE long-running dispute between the Erongo Football League and a number of its affiliates is all but resolved, Namibia Football Association president Frans Mbidi told The Namibian Sport on Monday.
The Erongo second division has been marred by controversy over the past few years, with the dispute reaching its high point in February when four clubs boycotted the Debmarine Namibia Cup’s preliminary round, citing maladministration within the EFL.
Mbidi put the chaos down to “a lot of misunderstandings” pertaining to the interpretation of the NFA’s regulatory framework by the EFL hierarchy, which vindicates the aggrieved clubs’ position.
“I met with the concerned parties, and we have come to a solution. We are just finalising a few things. Basically, all previous decisions become null and void,” Mbidi said in relation to disputed disciplinary cases.
This means a club like United Stars, who were thrown out of the Erongo second division last season for allegedly fielding ineligible players, will return to the fold.
Stars have vehemently challenged the ruling.
“There were no proper disciplinary processes. In some cases, due process was not followed, which resulted in more disputes. So, we are in the process of rectifying these things,” Mbidi said.
The remedies would include appointing new administrative personnel, while a nationwide refresher course on NFA statutes is also in the pipeline.
“The NFA will commit itself to educating members with regards to the rules and regulations of the organisation,” Mbidi stated.
“The NFA will be sending someone to help with the administration for the time being. We are also looking for someone to be in charge of the Erongo second division in the long term,” he continued.
The third-tier league also failed to conclude their 2015/16 season, with the EFL administrators accused of issuing three varying ‘final’ log standings after the league ground to a halt. The clubs also contend that they are owed prize money from the interrupted season.
Effectively, an incomplete league schedule means no teams can be promoted to or from the EFL.
Additionally, the EFL hierarchy were accused of failing to account for funds, which has led to the closure of the troubled establishment’s bank account.
The bungling EFL coordinators subsequently requested affiliates to divert their registration and affiliation fees into one of the league executives’ personal account for the new season.
Mbidi said the clubs should shoulder part of the blame for the shortcomings in Erongo.
“Some of these misunderstandings are as a result of the wrong people attending important events meant for club executives.
“I want to emphasise that a coach or team manager should not be attending executive-level deliberations. It’s a common, bad practice that even happens at NPL level,” Mbidi stressed.
