Newly-elected Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, has reportedly promised some African football associations U$5 million (K3.6 billion) annually in football development funding.
However, it is unclear if Football Association of Malawi (Fam), which voted through its president Walter Nyamilandu during the Fifa elections in Switzerland on Friday, would be among the beneficiaries.
On Saturday, Nyamilandu was elusive on who he voted for. Infantino trounced Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa 115-88 during the second round of voting.
“Osamakwera yakuphwa [You don’t go for a losing candidate],” said Nyamilandu, who attended the elective Fifa assembly alongside general secretary, Suzgo Nyirenda and first vice-president, James Mwenda.
Infantino’s promised money will come from Fifa’s coffers, but there is no indication yet if the aid is part of annual Financial Assistance Programme (FAP funding which goes to every member association.
Under FAP, each member association receives $250,000 (K183 million) annually from Fifa for approved football development projects.
The Swiss-Italian Infantino and his agent, former Cameroonian international Jeremy Njitap reportedly promised South Sudan the US$5 million during a campaign tour of Africa recently.
In addition to the US$5 million, South Sudan will also be receiving $ 1 million annually to facilitate their participation in regional and international tournaments such as Afcon, Cecafa, and World Cup qualifiers.
Infantino also promised one more $1 million to South Sudan to facilitate activities of clubs that participate in international competitions.
The Herald newspaper of Zimbabwe also reported over the weekend that Zimbabwe Football Association would also pocket the K3.6 billion.
The newspaper suggested that Zimbabwe FA will be among the richest associations in Africa.
“Infantino promised every member association here yesterday that he would ensure they get $5 million each from Fifa in development aid, something that appeared to swing the vote in his favour,” reported www.herald.co.zw
The newspaper added that it is believed that Southern African nations voted for Infantino, after he toured this region last week and even visited Robben Island in South Africa.
“He’s not a politician. He’s not a superstar. He’s just very together, very organised,” said Greg Dyke, chairperson of England’s Footbal l Association.
“He has run Uefa really well and he’ll be great as the president of Fifa.”
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