CECAFA halt FUFA on venue change to Mbale

By Vision Reporter THE senior challenge cup took a dramatic turn yesterday after CECAFA blocked a move by FUFA to change the venue of tomorrow's semi-final match and Saturday's final from Nakivubo to Mbale. The New Vision established that FUFA wanted sh10m from Nakivubo stadium soon after Monday's Cranes-Djibouti match, but the management opted to use the money to settle hotel bills directly. FUFA, in retaliation, prepared to move the Uganda Lions-Ethiopia match and the final to Mbale. Today's semi-final between the Cranes and Rwanda would go to Namboole. But CECAFA competitions committee secretary Jonathan Niva of Kenya stopped the change after clearance from CECAFA chairman Farah Addo. CECAFA secretary general Hussein Haji said: "FUFA has no powers to make changes." Ethiopia had threatened to pullout of the tournament saying the fixtures had indicated that the both semi-finals would be played at Nakivubo. Meanwhile another crisis looms after referees threatened to strike today if they are not paid sh650,000 each in allowances. Ends.