FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) will this year receive a total funding of US$3 million from the world soccer governing body, FIFA.

And FAZ has set April 13 as the date for the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) after the executive committee meeting held on Saturday at Football House in Lusaka.

According to a statement issued by association’s general secretary Adrian Kashala, FAZ in consultation with the Ministry of Sport, Youth and Child Development will use the money meant for infrastructure development to upgrade Chipata, Kasama, Solwezi and Mansa stadiums.

“FAZ shall receive the following funds from FIFA in 2019: One Million Dollars (increased from 500,000 Dollars in 2018) for operational and football development and two Million Dollars for infrastructure development,” Kashala said.

The April 13 AGM will be preceded by provincial assemblies that will elect four delegates each to attend the AGM in accordance with its constitution, Kashala said.

The provincial elections will be held from February 8 to March 4.

FAZ has also introduced provincial cups that will be open to all member clubs in each province.

FAZ also disclosed that it will send under-23 assistant coach Bilton usonda and other club coaches Noah Chivuta, , Yonah Phiri, George Chilufya and Misheck Lungu for training in Europe. The five will also be accompanied by three UEFA B qualified coaches yet to be identified to attend the CAF Pro training in liaison with FAZ partner Morocco.

In 2017, FAZ signed a two-year football development co-operation agreement with the Royal Football Federation of Morocco (FRM).

The partnership is aimed at developing football standards in the respective countries.

Meanwhile, Joseph Katema will chair the committee tasked to raise a US$10 million bond through a Special Purpose Vehicle. He will be deputised by former Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) director Andrew Chipwende. Other fundraising committee members are Ngenda Nyambe, Davies Pwele, Kafula Mwiche, Malcom Jhala and Victor Sodala.