São Tomé federation denies receiving FIFA funds
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Rádio Somos Todos Primos
The São Tomé and Príncipe Football Federation says it received no specific FIFA funding for its under-15 team’s participation in the World Youth Festival in Baku. According to first vice-president Adalberto Catambe, FIFA directly paid travel, accommodation, meals and laundry costs.
The São Tomé and Príncipe Football Federation (FSF) says it received no specific FIFA funding for the participation of the under-15 team in the World Youth Festival, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 24 to 30 October. FIFA directly covered flights, accommodation, meals and the laundering of equipment for a delegation of up to 20 people, FSF first vice-president Adalberto Catambe said on Saturday 31 October, according to Rádio Somos Todos Primos.
Adalberto Catambe said any subsidies paid to participants came from the federation’s general operating fund and were not allocated exclusively to the tournament. He rejected information circulated on social media about funds intended for the event and announced that identified authors could face prosecution for information deemed false and defamatory.
The São Tomé and Príncipe delegation had been announced for the U15 World Cup, before taking part in the World Youth Festival in Baku. The FSF had also faced the suspension of the national championship by referees on 25 October, in a context separate from the trip to Azerbaijan.
