The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation, FEGUIFUT, has requested the mediation of the country's Vice President to facilitate payments for the upcoming matches of the national team, Nzalang. This decision was made during a meeting between the Vice President, Nguema Obiang Mangue, and the Ministry of Sports, as well as FEGUIFUT, led by Clemente Engonga Nguema Onguene, who is also the Minister of State for Education, Sciences, and Professional Teaching.
Nzalang Nacional is set to play against Zimbabue in November as part of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations eliminatories. The team is in Group E, which also includes Sierra Leona and the Democratic Republic of Congo. To prepare for these matches, FEGUIFUT is seeking the Vice President's intervention to expedite the release of funds for logistics, accommodation, and general expenses.
The Vice President has instructed the Treasury to review the team's financial documents to establish a fair budget before proceeding with the payment process. He has also directed the Ministry of Sports and FEGUIFUT to revise the invoices downward to avoid unnecessary expenses for the state. This move aims to ensure that the team's financial management is transparent and efficient.
So far, Nzalang has played two matches, winning one and losing one. In Group E, the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently leading with six points, followed by Zimbabue and Equatorial Guinea, each with three points. The Vice President's intervention is expected to help the team maintain its financial obligations and ensure its continued participation in international competitions.
The meeting between the Vice President and FEGUIFUT also aimed to address the issue of excessive spending by the national team during international competitions. By involving the Treasury in the financial management process, the Vice President hopes to maintain the team's financial stability and ensure its good standing with its opponents.
The request for the Vice President's mediation highlights the challenges faced by FEGUIFUT in managing the team's finances. The federation is working to ensure that the team is well-prepared for its upcoming matches and that its financial obligations are met. The Vice President's intervention is expected to facilitate this process and ensure the team's continued participation in international competitions.
The outcome of FEGUIFUT's request for mediation is yet to be seen. However, the involvement of the Vice President is expected to help expedite the payment process and ensure that the team is well-prepared for its upcoming matches. The team's performance in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations eliminatories will depend on various factors, including its financial stability and preparation.
Key points
- FEGUIFUT seeks Vice President's help to expedite payments for Nzalang's November matches against Zimbabue.
- The team is in Group E, which also includes Sierra Leona and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The Vice President's intervention aims to ensure the team's financial stability and good standing with its opponents.
