Swazi Observer

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EFA IS BROKE!

By MELUSI MLOTSA | 2024-12-18

SOCCER – NO merry Christmas at all!
Despite closing their offices for the festive season the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) closes the year cash-strapped, as it is allegedly struggling to pay the squads several months’ arrear allowances ahead of the festive season.

Reports emerged that the football governing body's coffers have dried up as it owes the senior national team players allowances of up to E300 000, while the male U-20 is owed over E93 000 for the COSAFA Cup allowances, dating back to last year October. Sitsebe Samhlekazi and other junior squads have also not received a cent after participating in regional competitions.

Inside informants told the Sports Desk that the financial crisis was explained to Sihlangu players when they reported for camp on Sunday in preparation for the TotalErnergies CHAN Qualifiers game against Madagascar billed for Saturday at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

In their last match against Guinea Bissau, the players were unhappy after they received E700 each as travelling allowances instead of E1 500. While the financial crisis has been explained to the senior national team, nothing has been communicated to other squads as they head for Christmas without their dues.

Sources close to the matter disclosed that the organisation allegedly owes Mbombela Stadium a huge undisclosed amount for hosting its 14 games for AFCON, World Cup and CHAN Qualifiers.
Interestingly, Nedbank Eswatini announced E100 000 sponsorship for EFA in October to ease the burden.

“The EFA is cash strapped. What makes matters worse is that we have families to feed and there’s no assurance that we will get the money anytime soon. Perhaps the leadership needs to provide clarity why their financial affairs are so troubled,” said the source.

However, other senior football official disclosed that the EFA said it would settle its debts next year between February and March as it was waiting for the next FIFA grant.

It must be mentioned that each member association receive up to US$8 million yearly from the world governing body through the FIFA Forward to support their development activities
EFA Marketing and Commications Officer, Muzi Radebe declined to comment about the financial situation within the association.

“As I said it before, financials are administrative issues hence why they are being discussed during the Annual General Meeting,” he said.

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