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ZIMBABWE appears to have missed out on FIFA’s programme to help 40-member Associations boost their sustainable income. Yesterday, the world football governing body released the names of the countries that have benefited and Zimbabwe was not one of them. “FIFA is helping developing football nations with major potential to move towards sustainable financial independence through an innovative new approach to football development,” FIFA said yesterday. “Through diverse and creative projects, the Win-Win Programme supports the needs of developing member associations that show potential for football and income growth but lack the resources to realise that potential.

“FIFA offers financial help and expertise through the programme as a first step to establish a virtuous circle that gives associations the chance to build a sustainable and independent foundation for future growth. It targets areas such as football engagement, commercial exploitation of facilities and merchandising. All profits from Win-Win projects must be invested directly back into football in the respective country.” Relations between ZIFA and FIFA appear to have gone sour, of late, as the Association has failed to secure funding because of their failure to provide audited financial statements.

“One of the biggest challenges that we face in global football development is how to help smaller footballing nations to both raise football standards in their territories, while also moving to secure, financial independence,” said FIFA Director of Member Associations and Development Thierry Regenass.

“Win-Win projects meet this challenge head-on, helping to generate more sustainable income for football development thus creating a virtuous circle that enables member associations to maximise their potential.” FIFA said they had targeted 40 member associations.

“Targeting 40 member associations during the 2015-2018 cycle, Win-Win is now bearing fruit in the first pilot projects.

“For example, FIFA has helped the Guam Football Association (GFA) to install solar panels at the GFA headquarters and technical centre, saving up to 95 per cent of the GFA’s standard energy consumption and thus freeing up more resources to invest in football development. Greater broadcasting capacity in Tajikistan or the setting up of a professional league in the Dominican Republic are further examples.

“To date, 28 member associations have benefited from Win-Win, with football’s world governing body investing an average amount of US$300 000 in each project.”

The Benficiaries

Guam — Solar panel installation to save energy cost of floodlights.

Oman — Creation of an event agency subsidiary to develop Association-related activities such as grassroots tournaments and corporate events.

Palestine — Installation of a TV studio at the headquarters of the member association to promote football.

Jordan — Futsal indoor hall to develop futsal and generate income through pitch rental and events.

Tajikistan — Purchase of an outside broadcast van to increase quality and quantity of the coverage of football games.

Mongolia — Floodlight installation to allow league matches at night to increase match attendances, broadcasting and sponsorship income.

Malaysia — Merchandising programme that includes development of a new range of association-branded merchandise, a fanshop and e-commerce.

Ivory Coast — Floodlight installation to allow league matches at night to increase match attendances, broadcasting and sponsorship income.

Burkina Faso — Purchasing of buses for football clubs to generate cost savings. Buses to be rented out on non-match days.

Rwanda — Accommodation facilities at the technical centre to generate cost savings and income by renting out rooms in low season.

Namibia — Accommodation facilities at the technical centre to generate cost savings and income by renting out rooms in low season.

Algeria — Accommodation facilities at the technical centre to generate cost savings and income by renting out rooms in low season.

Costa Rica — Development of a restaurant to enhance the accommodation facility at the technical centre targeting local business for lunches and events.

British Virgin Islands — Football turf pitch installation for the development of football and to rent out to the local market. — FIFA/Sports Reporter.