Mbidi, NFA Exco on war path

WINDHOEK, 21 OCT  – Namibia Football Association (NFA) president Frans Mbidi and his Executive Committee (Exco) members are headed for a collision, two months before the much anticipated elective congress scheduled for December.
The conflict emanates from a letter purportedly written by Mbidi to International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) president Gianni Infantino on 17 August 2018, seeking clarity on how to go about dealing with NFA secretary general (SG) Barry Rukoro, who continues to execute his duties after the expiry of his contract earlier this year.
In response, Fifa SG Fatma Samoura informed Mbidi that based on the letter that Rukoro’s contract with the NFA lapsed, Fifa would no longer recognise him as NFA SG.
However, she explained that the contractual situation between the NFA and the SG was governed by private law, and is an internal matter which does not fall under Fifa jurisdiction.
“As a result of that fact, Fifa is not in a position to intervene in the matter,” the letter quotes Samoura as saying.
NFA Exco member Roger Kambatuku was in uncompromising mood when contacted for comment by Nampa on today, saying the letter from Mbidi to Fifa “is nonsense”.

File photo: WINDHOEK, 07 September 2017 – NFA Secretary President Frans Mbidi speaking during the launch of the 2017 Skorpion Zink Under 17 tournament at the NFA Technical Center on Thursday evening. (Photo by: Maqonda Ndlovu) NAMPA

“Who gave Mbidi the mandate to write to Fifa? Why did he not avail the letter to all Exco members? Fifa even makes it clear that the matter of the contract between NFA and its SG is a private matter. Why is Fifa being involved?” Kambatuku questioned.
He added that they agreed during a meeting in June that the term of the SG would run concurrently with that of the Exco members.
“Mbidi chaired that meeting. After the extra-ordinary meeting, the issue came up again once more and we explained that the SG will continue working till December. Now what is this?” fumed Kambatuku.
He added that the first vice president of NFA, Naftali Ngalangi had written to both Fifa’s president and SG informing them of Mbidi’s actions.
Ngalangi states in the letter that as Exco, they have now exercised the provisions of Article 34 of the NFA constitution, which allows them to hold meetings without the president’s blessings 21 days after a request has been made, following Mbidi’s non-committal to meetings as requested by them.
Another letter written by Ngalangi to the Fifa SG details how Mbidi is leading the NFA to “self-destruct” and calls on Fifa to reconsider its position on the matter as Mbidi misinformed them.
“We are not aware of the letter written to Fifa as no discussions were made to reach such a decision. However, we completely agree with you that the issue of the SG’s contract is an internal matter which we discussed under the leadership of president Mbidi,” he explains.
Also speaking to Nampa, Rukuro said Fifa is right to say his employment is an internal matter and warned Mbidi to refrain from disrespecting the Exco “as his actions are hurtful to Namibian football”.
Mbidi was not available for comment.
Mbidi and Rukoro have been involved in a tussle of power since January, when the NFA president dismissed the SG in Morocco during the African Nations Championship after the expiry of Rukoro’s contract.
(NAMPA)