CECAFA TO PLEAD ZANZIBAR, SOUTH SUDAN CASES TO FIFA

Zanzibar and South Sudan have applied to join the world soccer governing body Fifa and the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association is ready to help fast track their applications.

Although the country’s application has been rejected, the Zanzibar Football Association (ZFA) secretary general Mzee Zam Ali, has asked the Ministry of Information, Tourism, Culture and Sports to continue fighting for its membership jointly with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

Fifa rejected Zanzibar’s application on the grounds that it lacked sovereignty.

“It’s true we have received official communication from Fifa secretary general notifying us of the collapse of our membership bid,” said Ali. “But this is not the end of the road as the ministry should strengthen co-operation with ZFA in search of the membership card from Fifa.”

In a letter, Fifa pointed out that Zanzibar was part of the United Republic of Tanzania and there was no way the body would allow the Isle’s membership. Zanzibar plays in the Cecafa tournaments but not in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Fifa competitions.

While South Sudan’s application will definitely be endorsed, the country will have to wait two years before it can participate in international competitions.

Cecafa secretary general Nicholas Musonye, however, said the regional body will plead South Sudan’s case given the country was competing in international competitions before seceding from the larger Sudan.

“The rules are very clear; it takes two years for a new member to be accepted but we can always push for special dispensation,” said Musonye who is also awaiting for an application by South Sudan to become the 12th member of the regional body.

He said South Sudan is welcome to join the regional body.

“We are excited at the prospect of having a new member in our stable,” said Musonye.

Hassan Abu Jamal, the executive secretary general of the Sudan Football Association, sees soccer as a unifying factor and a vehicle to lift the people’s morale.

“The game will help build national identity in South Sudan, strengthen national unity and overcome ethnic tensions,” said Abu Jamal.

He said the country would also appreciate CAF and Fifa’s help in helping them grow as a nation in football.

“We know we will get that help; and if it means waiting two years before we can play in international competitions, we are ready,” said Abu Jamal.

But there are challenges South Sudan has to overcome as it moves to build the sport, with players who have over the years jointly represented the country in international competitions with those from Khartoum.

Source: http://www.theeastafrican.co.ke