Eleven clubs are on the verge of dropping out of the FUFA West Nile Regional League over unapproved player licenses. This comes two days to the start of the much anticipated 2022/2023 FUFA 3rd division league for the region.
Some of the clubs include Comboni FC, Kuluva Rainbow, Koboko Rising Stars, Mvara Boys, Pajobi United, Nyai Young Stars, West Nile United, Pajobi United, Okokoro United, Barakala City Ocoko United, and Young Villa.
Newton Afema, the Public Relations Officer for Ocoko United, says they have only managed to register 14 players which are less than the required number. He says most of the newly promoted clubs lack Transfer Matching System (TMS) accounts which could enable them to register new players.
Bernard Almeida, the Chief Executive Officer of Mvara Boys FC in Arua City says that they have only managed to license 12 players which are below the minimum requirement for a club to participate in the regional league. He says most of his players are demoralized since they are uncertain about their participation.
Bosco Candia, the Vice Chairperson West Nile Region Football Association says that the most affected clubs were newly promoted that participated in the fourth division league across the region. He however blamed it on the delayed creation of Transfer Matching System (TMS) accounts for the newly promoted clubs. The Transfer Matching System is an online platform for FIFA’s Member Associations to record player transfers between clubs.
According to Candia, they are in discussions with FUFA to either provide provisional licenses for the players or postpone the fixtures for the regional leagues.
According to the FUFA, 3rd division league regulations participating clubs must have at least 15 licensed players to enable them to participate in the league.
24 teams are set to participate in the West Nile Regional league which is set to commence on Saturday. The teams are divided into two zones, the Nile and Nyagak zones.
According to the tentative fixture released by the West Nile Region Football Association Competitions Committee, Hot Springs FC will take on Pakwach Young Stars at Nebbi Primary School ground kick-off is at 4:00 pm. In other games, Mvara Boys will welcome Paidha Black Angels at home, while Koboko Rising Stars will travel to face Young Villa among other fixtures. URN
