Amrouche is here to stay despite suspension, says Ndumbaro
The head coach of Taifa Stars, Adel Amrouche speaks during a media briefing before their match against Morocco in the Afcon finals in Ivory Coast. Morocco won 3-0.
PHOTO | TFF
What you need to know:
- Ndumbaro clarified that Amrouche has been suspended by the two football bodies but not dismissed, and that his contract still remains valid.
Dar es Salaam. The government has declared that Adel Amrouche, the head coach of the national football team (Taifa Stars), will continue his duties despite being suspended by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The statement was issued by Arts, Culture, and Sports minister Damas Ndumbaro in an exclusive interview conducted on the phone with The Citizen from Ivory Coast, where the minister was attending the Afcon finals.
Ndumbaro clarified that Amrouche has been suspended by the two football bodies but not dismissed, and that his contract still remains valid.
"Being suspended does not mean that your contract has been terminated. So, the government will continue to pay him until further notice," clarified Ndumbaro.
He noted that football stakeholders should not be confused by TFF's decision to suspend Amrouche.
"TFF's move to suspend Amrouche is to honor CAF’s directives, so football stakeholders have to understand that. What TFF has done is in accordance with rules and regulations.
“The government has not received any letter indicating that the contract between TFF and Amrouche has been terminated, so we will continue to work with Amrouche despite his suspension until further notice," insisted Ndumbaro.
Besides suspending Amrouche, CAF imposed a $10,000 (Sh25 million) fine on TFF for remarks made by the Algerian tactician against the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Amrouche stirred controversy by accusing Morocco's football federation of manipulation in African football and alleging undue influence within CAF.
However, TFF disassociated itself from Amrouche's remarks, with TFF President Wallace Karia stating that disciplinary action would be taken against him.
Karia clarified that decisions related to matches are made by CAF, not Morocco, and highlighted the existing strong sports relationship between TFF and Morocco.
He pointed out that some matches in Tanzania are rescheduled based on the recommendations of Azam TV, which holds broadcasting rights.
Amrouche was appointed to lead Taifa Stars in March of the previous year.
