Sampon Kablan, Development Officer of the World Football Governing Body (FIFA), has revealed that the funds given to the national football associations are not meant for National teams, but for the development of youth football.

Kablan said National teams are national assets that should be solely funded by the governments and not national associations. The FIFA regional boss made these remarks at a press briefing held on Saturday, shortly after the handing over of the keys to the new FIFA-funded Administrative Building for the Gambia Football Association.

FIFA gives US$ 250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand Dollars) to each national association annually, according to Kablan. This amount, he indicated, is used by the associations to develop the game as well as to pay their staff.

Harmonious relationship

Sampon Kablan, however, hailed the harmonious relationship that exists between The Gambia government and the Gambia Football Association, adding that FIFA will continue to assist any country that nurtures harmony as the order of the day.

“The Gambia has always lived in harmony in terms of government and football association relations and because of this, FIFA will continue to provide more projects for the development of Gambian football.”

“The Administrative Building is the second project after the completion of the technical training centre. And before next year, Gambia will have her first-ever artificial turf,” said Kablan who tasked the beneficiaries to ensure a proper up-keep of the projects.

Great stride

The Ivorian, Sampon Kablan who has been a regular visitor in the country has also acknowledged the great strides made by The Gambia in the field of football arena. He acknowledged the country’s remarkable resilient in their two world cup appearances, adding that no nation will now write The Gambia off in any competition.

“Some decades back, the name Gambia was not known in the world football arena. But today, The Gambia is known everywhere, having played in two world cup finals. Today, any country playing against Gambia will be aware of their strength and will not write them off like they used to do in the past.”