FUFA spokesperson, Ahmed Hussein has refuted ongoing discussions across various media platforms suggesting that FUFA is unhappy with sports journalists watching FUFA games for free.
The controversy arose following remarks made by FUFA President Moses Magogo during an appearance on FUFA TV last week. Magogo criticized journalists for leading discussions about Uganda Cranes’ ticket pricing, alleging that they harbor personal agendas and dislike the institution.
His comments came after fans complained that ticket prices for Uganda Cranes matches were too high compared to the quality of football they received.
This debate was further fueled by low attendance at the Uganda Cranes vs. Guinea match.
During his TV appearance, Magogo claimed that a group of ten journalists was allegedly being paid by undisclosed individuals to tarnish FUFA’s reputation. He vowed to take action against them.
He also stated that journalists influencing fans to question ticket prices do not contribute to gate collections themselves.
His comments sparked backlash from the sports media fraternity, with many journalists expressing their frustration and vowing not to apply for FUFA accreditation if the institution perceived free access as a favor.
In response to the escalating rift between FUFA and the media, Ahmed Hussein clarified FUFA’s stance, emphasizing that the institution is not against journalists accessing matches for free in order to perform their duties.
“FUFA is not against journalists accessing matches to execute their work freely. The institution knows the value of media, and if there is any misunderstanding about the message of the FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim recently, it is our responsibility to find solutions to challenges and not escalate the situation,” Hussein stated on X (formerly Twitter).
He further assured that FUFA remains committed to addressing concerns through dialogue and collaboration for the betterment of football and the sports media industry.
“We are a listening institution, and we are confident all will be solved for the good of the development of the game and the sports media industry,” he added.
Hussein reaffirmed FUFA’s policy, ensuring that no journalist will ever be charged a fee to cover FUFA events or matches unless they voluntarily choose to do so.
“Unless a journalist decides so, FUFA’s policy will remain unchanged, and no journalist will ever be charged any fee to access a FUFA event or match to execute their work,” he reiterated.
