The government will issue an official statement once investigations on corruption allegations facing the FIFA President, Joseph Sepp Blatter, are completed.
Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Youths and Sports, Mr Juma Nkamia
The Deputy Minister for Information, Youth, Culture and Sports, Juma Nkamia, said the government has received reports of Blatter’s resignation due to corruption allegations and is now following up the issue to know the outcome before issuing a statement.
Nkamia was responding to a supplement question from Richard Ndassa (Sumve – CCM) who wanted the government to issue a statement on the matter.
He said the government does not support corruption within or outside the country because it hinders development of football.
“Tanzania as a country recognizes contributions made by Blatter in football to the country, but we cannot support corruption and if the investigation turns out true we will issue an official statement,” he said.
The deputy minister called on local sports leaders to learn from what is happening in the international football arena, noting that some officials and clubs have been linked to corruption allegations.
The Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has also said it is studying the situation before making a statement. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken note of Blatter’s decision to resign upon disposal and convene an extraordinary congress for the election of a new president.
“CAF commits to supporting reforms intended for the consolidation of a FIFA that will be accepted by everyone, and reiterates its determination to cooperate in safeguarding the moral and ethical values that underlie the practice of football, its organisation, administration and development,” it said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Nkamia said the ministry has been providing assistance to sports teams of people living with disabilities when participating in international competitions.
He made the remarks when responding to Special Seats MP Margaret Mkanga, who wanted to know when the government will prioritize teams of people living with disabilities.
By ROSE ATHUMANI, Tanzania Daily News