The Minister of Education, Sport, Arts, and Culture David Coltart says he has written to Zifa requesting for audience with various stakeholders to discuss issues relating to the administration of revenue generated during football matches in the country.
This came after Zifa made a loss during the Warriors-Mali Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on June 5 despite attracting a capacity crowd.
In an interview on the sidelines of a function at which the minister addressed cricket franchise Matabeleland Tuskers players at Queens Sports Club Thursday, Coltart said there was need for an indaba to look at issues related to finances realised from the football matches.
Coltart said the football governing body in the country is yet to respond to his correspondence.
The minister was quick to spell out his reservations over how the money was used, citing revenue realised from the high-profile friendly match between the Warriors and Brazil last year prior to the World Cup hosted by South Africa last year.
“I have written a letter to Zifa as there is need to have an indaba which will look at funding of football in the country. One of the key aspect will be the issue of finances that come from the grounds.
“I am still waiting for Zifa to respond. We have to discuss the administration of funds that flow from football. We can look at the senior national soccer team when they played Brazil. At least 60 000 people paid at least $10 to get into the stadium. The question is where did all the money go? We are likely to discuss that,” he said.
The minister said the indaba should include sponsors, local authorities and the police and to ensure that funds generated from the national team are accounted for.
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Recently, Zifa grossed more than $133 000 from gate takings during the Warriors-Mali Africa Cup of Nations Group A qualifier at Rufaro Stadium on June 5.
An estimated 30 000 football fans thronged Rufaro to watch the match which the Warriors won 2-1, enhancing their chances of qualifying for the continental showcase finals.
Despite the gross takings of more than $133 000, the country’s football governing body’s expenses reportedly gobbled up close to $140 000, leaving Zifa with a deficit of nearly $7 000.
Owners of Rufaro Stadium, the Harare City Council, made off with $25 261 in rentals with the Sport and Recreation Commission making their 6% levy of $7 482.
For providing security at the stadium, the Zimbabwe Republic Police got $5 122 while private security costs were pegged at $3 120.
The Confederation of African Footballreceived $6 235 and Fifa was paid $2 494 in levies.
At least 1 476 tickets were sold from pre-sales while most of the money was made from the turnstiles with Zifa issuing out $450 worth of complimentary tickets.
The Warriors’ players received $2 000 each,$12 000 was paid in appearance fees and $50 000 forked out for the winning bonuses.
Camping and daily allowances for the Warriors accounted for $7 250.
In addition to that Zifa president Cuthbert Dube gave the Warriors $25 000 from his personal pocket as a bonus for the win.
