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Kaindu

From Sikhumbuzo Moyo in Bulawayo
HIGHLANDERS face serious sanctions from the world’s soccer motherbody, Fifa, if their coach Kelvin Kaindu continues to wear clothing with religious statements during matches. The Zambian mentor, a God-fearing man, has sometimes been spotted during official matches wearing a white T-shirt with the inscription, Joshua 1v5 or “It Shall be Well.”

Fifa have proposed some landmark amendments to the Laws of the Game that could see an increase in the number of substitutions while clubs face serious sanctions on the use of undergarment slogans by their players.

The proposals are part of the agenda for the 128th annual general meeting of The International Football Association Board (IFAB) that will take place at the home of Fifa in Zurich, Switzerland, on March 1.

The role of the International Football Association Board is to discuss and decide upon proposed alterations to the Laws of the Game.

Fifa and the UK-based associations (English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Football Associations) can propose matters to be discussed and ratified at the meeting.

The decisions of each year’s annual general meeting of the board regarding changes to the Laws of the Game are binding for confederations and member associations as from July 1.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is expected to chair this year’s meeting.
The IFAB will discuss proposals to alter Law 4 — The Players’ Equipment. Firstly in terms of the use of head covers, as the two-year trial period unanimously approved by The IFAB in 2012 is set to end, and secondly in relation to slogans or advertising on undergarments.

“Players must not reveal undergarments showing slogans or advertising. The basic compulsory equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images,” says the IFAB agenda.

The proposed law amendment will see the team of a player whose basic compulsory equipment has political, religious or personal slogans or statements or images sanctioned by the competition organiser or by Fifa.

Previously, it was only the player who would be sanctioned.
“Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer logo.

“A player/team of a player that reveals an undergarment that shows political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturers’ logo will be sanctioned by the competition organiser or by Fifa,” reads the proposed change.

Currently what a player can reveal on any item of basic compulsory equipment is different to what he can on an undergarment. He or she cannot reveal a personal statement or image on the outer jersey but can do that on the undershirt.

The amendment, according to the reasons forwarded, seeks to outline a consistent approach to both the outer jersey and all types of undergarment.

Many local players have previously been seen showing their undergarments during warm-up, using undergarments with messages for their girlfriends, wives or religious congregations.

Highlanders left-back Bruce Kangwa spent the better part of last season warming up with a T-shirt printed Whitney, which was later revealed as his wife’s second name.

“That will also no longer be allowed,” said Zifa vice-president Ndumiso Gumede.
Also set to be amended is the number of substitutes to be used in amateur football, from Division One downwards.

Reads the IFAB agenda: “The IFAB will review a proposed amendment to allow for greater flexibility in the use of substitutions in amateur/recreational football. In addition to the modifications, subject to the agreement of the member association concerned and provided the principles of these Laws are maintained, the laws regarding substitutions may be modified in their application for matches for amateur players in any age-group provided that:

Such matches are solely for amateurs.
Such matches are not part of the most senior domestic competition of a member association.
Further modifications are only allowed with the consent of the International Football Association Board.”
Fifa argues that permitting modifications to the Laws regarding substitutions in amateur football will help with the growth and retention of players within amateur football.

“The change will give associations more flexibility to encourage people to take up the sport or to continue their participation in football without affecting the professional game in any way.”