April 2 – The new president of the Namibia Football Association, Ranga Haikali, who vowed to rebuild trust and credibility when he took over in February, has revealed “damning findings” against the federation’s former leadership following a new financial audit reportedly ordered by FIFA.
“I received a report on Friday from the auditors – I’m busy analysing it and will soon send it to FIFA,” Haikali was quoted as saying by local media.
“But I can say that there are damning findings against the previous leadership of the NFA and they have identified people who embezzled funds. My suggestion is that we get a summary of the auditors’ report and then we publish it in the media before we act on it.”
Haikali, a renowned local business magnate who bankrolled the Black Africa club to a record four domestic league titles and one CAF Champions League appearance between 2011 and 2014, overwhelmingly beat rival Johnny Doeseb in February’s elections, the second time he had fought for the presidency.
“It’s very important for all the stakeholders like the ministry of sport and the media to know these findings,” he said. “The NFA as a public institution has to be defended – let the public know and be informed and also give their input. It won’t be a smooth ride, but we will make recommendations for action.”
Haikali said it would take considerable funds to implement the recommendations of the auditors.
“We will have to act on their recommendations, but we can’t just accept it. It will cost a lot of money, we will have to appoint lawyers and they are not cheap.”
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