NAFPU suspension kept secretFIFPro suspension lifted The Namibia Players'' Union failed to reveal to the football fraternity that it had been suspended by the World Players'' Union for almost seven months. Namibia Football Players'' Union secretary-general Olsen Kahiriri has rubbished allegations that his union is still suspended by the World Players'' Union (FIFPro). An inside source had revealed to Namibian Sun that the union has been suspended by the international body since June.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that NAFPU was suspended because of a lack of proper financial records and enough members.
“NAFPU is busy attacking other organisations, but has not told the people that things have not been going well for them at times.
“It is strange how the media did not pick this up that the union has been serving a suspension from FIFPro all along.
“This is what led to the resignation of two of its prominent members, Ronald Ketjijere and Mammie Kasaona, early last month,” the source said.
In an interview yesterday Kahiriri said: “Yes, it is true that we were suspended, but we could not disclose that since we knew that we were going to fix the problem as soon as possible.
“I can confirm with you that our suspension was lifted effective from 1 November after meeting the requirements.
“FIFPro is a very big organisation and that is why many countries in Africa do not even meet the requirements to be members of it.
“We are however on the right track with everything and confident that the players'' union will continue to grow.
“We did not keep the suspension secret because all our members were aware of the decision taken by FIFPro.”
Kahiriri provided a letter FIFPro secretary-general Theo van Seggelen as proof that the suspension had been lifted.
“Dear Olsen, in their meeting on 31 May to 31 June, the FIFPro board discussed the internal problems of NAFPU. It was agreed and requested that if NAFPU will not send the necessary requirements within 10 days, NAFPU will be suspended until at least the board meeting in September.
“I would like to inform you that your suspension has been lifted as of 1 November and you are entitled for the coming period for 16 November to 1 July 2016 to receive a total amount of $29 833 which will be paid in four instalments of ($7 458),” the letter reads.
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA