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Uganda not scared of FIFA suspension

Supporters of Uganda are seen during the 2018 World Cup qualifying Group E football match between Uganda and Congo at the Mandela National stadium, in Kampala, Uganda on November 12, 2016. Getty

Uganda's State Minister for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi says they are not scared of being suspended by FIFA.

Bakkabulindi tells KweséESPN that if the Uganda FA refuses to send their accountability report, the government will take other tougher measures which will then attract FIFA's attention.

"If FUFA [Federation of Uganda Football Associations] fail to account then we shall have a meeting in the Ministry and plan the next move," he says.

"We are not scared about a FIFA ban depending on what action we take. We have our style of running affairs in Uganda and every sports association must now send their accountability as per the new regulations."

The development comes after the Minister wrote to FUFA on July 4 ordering them to account for the money they get from sponsors, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA by July 13.

In his letter the State Minister blamed the FA for undermining the Ministry after they had written two earlier letters in March and May.

"No written or verbal response has been received by the Permanent Secretary from your office despite the set deadline. This is not only tantamount to contempt of authority, but also a sign of lack transparency by the FUFA officials," the letter read.

The letter titled 'Accountability for funds and other resources received by FUFA' is also copied to the Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Minister of State for Higher Education and Sports, and the National Council of Sports among others.

However, the Uganda FA's Finance Director, Decolas Kiiza, claims they have already made an accountability report.

"We do not know what exactly they need because we already handed in the accountability report to the Permanent Secretary of the Minister of Education and Sports," he says.

Uganda annually receives $250,000 from FIFA under the Financial Assistance Programme, and also receives financial assistance from CAF and local sponsors like Airtel Uganda Ltd, Bidco Nile Breweries Limited and National Insurance Corporation.

Uganda also received $475,000 after the team finished fourth in the group stage of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Last week FIFA suspended Sudan for what was seen as government interference.