The head coach of the Black Princesses, Yusif Basigi, says the relief package from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) will lessen the burden of responsibility for club administrators in women’s football.
On Thursday, the world football governing body announced a relief package for women’s football
Under measures to help member associations cope better with the impact of COVID-19, FIFA will pay each member association US$500,000, to be used to develop women’s football.
Question of survival
Speaking to Asaase Radio, Basigi shared his excitement about FIFA’s decision to support clubs with the package.
“It could not have been better timed. Football is in dire need of relief packages of any kind just to survive. Therefore, to have such a package … for women’s football is quite remarkable.
“I cannot put into words how remarkable this is. We all know funding for women’s football is next to zero, not just in Ghana, but in the whole of Africa.
“Nobody wants to support the game. So, when you have a pandemic that affects businesses in the manner we have seen, it becomes difficult for the industry to turn to anyone for support.
“We have seen how our male counterparts are even struggling to survive. So this is really good and it is a big relief,” Basigi said.
From power to players
Basigi, who won gold with the Black Queens at the All-African Games in 2015, also said that the package will help club administrators cover their operational costs, and even pay debt.
“We do incur a lot of costs. At Hasaacas Ladies where I coach, we have to rent buses to travel, [and] try to get accommodation even though it is not sustainable. We pay utilities and we have to pay these players, too.
“All of these things cost a lot of money and, for an industry that is not profitable, you can imagine the situation we find ourselves in.
“So I’m not sure how much each club is going to get, but I know the administrators will use this, when it comes, to cover some of these expenses and, where there are debts, pay them off,” he said.
Victor Tamakloe
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