FUFA, USLL in meeting of the century
Jun 29, 2011
BOTH parties are ready for dialogue. The great hope is that they will find common ground.
By Charles Mutebi and James Bakama
BOTH parties are ready for dialogue. The great hope is that they will find common ground.
The long-running war threatening local football goes to the round table, with FUFA and the Uganda Super League (USL) managers set for peace talks today at FUFA House, Mengo.
It is a departure from the fiery rhetoric and finger-pointing witnessed in recent weeks and culminated last week in FUFA’s suspension of the USL authority.
Even if an immediate agreement looks unlikely, the meeting is a huge step since the two factions have shown interest in finding a peaceful resolution in the hours leading up to the talks.
“We have always been willing to talk to FUFA,†said USL chairman Kavuma Kabenge. For his part, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson said: “They (USL) have their grievances. We have grievances. We hope to resolve them tomorrow.â€
FUFA claim their authority is undermined by the USL and the USL claim FUFA have no right to interfere in their affairs.
It is a power struggle, as highlighted in the dispute that led to FUFA’s suspension (which USL disregarded as having no legal basis). FUFA wanted USL to admit three teams from the Big League for the 2011-2012 season, the USL said it has places for only two.
USL is opposed to a 15-team league because of the complications presented by a league with an odd number, going into the SuperSport $5m super deal from next season. FUFA argue that last season started with everyone aware that three teams were to be admitted to the Super League.
BOTH parties are ready for dialogue. The great hope is that they will find common ground.
The long-running war threatening local football goes to the round table, with FUFA and the Uganda Super League (USL) managers set for peace talks today at FUFA House, Mengo.
It is a departure from the fiery rhetoric and finger-pointing witnessed in recent weeks and culminated last week in FUFA’s suspension of the USL authority.
Even if an immediate agreement looks unlikely, the meeting is a huge step since the two factions have shown interest in finding a peaceful resolution in the hours leading up to the talks.
“We have always been willing to talk to FUFA,†said USL chairman Kavuma Kabenge. For his part, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson said: “They (USL) have their grievances. We have grievances. We hope to resolve them tomorrow.â€
FUFA claim their authority is undermined by the USL and the USL claim FUFA have no right to interfere in their affairs.
It is a power struggle, as highlighted in the dispute that led to FUFA’s suspension (which USL disregarded as having no legal basis). FUFA wanted USL to admit three teams from the Big League for the 2011-2012 season, the USL said it has places for only two.
USL is opposed to a 15-team league because of the complications presented by a league with an odd number, going into the SuperSport $5m super deal from next season. FUFA argue that last season started with everyone aware that three teams were to be admitted to the Super League.