By Our Correspondent

World football governing body, FIFA will in July this year and in 2021 release the sum of $1.5 million to the Gambia Football Federation, GFF Bestchoicesports.com.ng understands.

GFF Confirmed the grant which is part of COVID-19 relief fund for all FIFA Member Associations, MAs will be received in two batches.

A breakdown of the grant bf GFF indicates that $1 million is tagged Universal Solidarity Grant while the remaining $500, 000 will be used Women Football Support

The GFF further notes that the funds are expected to be disbursed to member Associations in this manner: $500,000 in July 2020 and $500,000 in January 2021.

The $500,000 support to Women’s Football will be released in July 2020. To ensure effective oversight,

FIFA has devised strict controls for the use of the funds and they shall undergo the same FIFA stringent audit process.

In addition to the above, Member Associations can access an interest free loan facility up to 35% of the audited books of Accounts of their annual revenues.

In line with the GFF constitution, the Executive Committee will propose the appropriation of these funds after consultations with relevant football stakeholders and the General Assembly of the GFF to approve the expenditures.

The GFF as announced in its Covid-19 Relief Fund Support to Clubs and Regional Football Associations press release, “shall utilize these funds to manage the current and post covid-19 effects to football in The Gambia by supporting our Members, Football Infrastructure development and Administration.

“The Executive Committee is currently studying the FIFA Covid-19 relief Plan regulations and consulting relevant GFF organs prior to tabling the planned appropriation of funds (Budget) to the GFF General Assembly for approval as there will be a major variation in the approved budget for the current year.

“The Gambia Football Federation and its members wishes to thank FIFA for the gesture,” it said.