The Namibia Football Association (NFA) yesterday officially announced the appointment of Franco Cosmos as the new director of membership, governance, compliance, and legal affairs. 

In its formal statement, the NFA underscored Cosmos’s extensive background, highlighting his prior role as part of the first Normalisation Committee and later as General Secretary. 

The statement emphasised that Cosmos’s comprehensive knowledge of the NFA’s inner workings, along with his solid background in football administration, makes him a pivotal figure capable of steering the organisation forward.

Cosmos commenced his new role yesterday, and in his capacity as director, he will be responsible for managing membership affairs, overseeing legal matters, and ensuring that the association adheres to governance principles. 

His duties will also include ensuring compliance with both local and international football regulations. These responsibilities will be critical as the NFA seeks to fortify its governance frameworks and align more closely with global football standards.

In the NFA’s statement, the association expressed confidence in Cosmos’s leadership, noting that his expertise would significantly contribute to the continued growth and development of Namibian football. “The NFA is confident that Cosmos’s leadership and expertise will contribute significantly to the continued growth and development of Namibian football,” the statement concluded.

This appointment is particularly timely, coming as the NFA intensifies its efforts to strengthen its governance structures in line with international standards. Cosmos’s return is viewed as a positive step toward bringing much-needed stability and progress to the organisation, especially after a turbulent period in its leadership history.

Cosmos’s history with the NFA is marked by various leadership roles, including his service as acting General Secretary under the first Normalisation Committee. He was later appointed full-time by the Ranga Haikali-led executive committee. However, relations between Cosmos and the Haikali-led committee deteriorated, leading to accusations on both sides. 

FIFA eventually intervened, dismissing the executive committee amid allegations of misconduct, including accusations of insubordination, mismanagement, corruption, and tarnishing the NFA’s reputation. This culminated in a vote of no confidence in Haikali, and FIFA’s decision to dissolve the executive committee. 

At that time, Cosmos was given the responsibility of leading the NFA until a new Normalisation Committee, led by Bisey Uirab, was installed.

Despite his dismissal in 2022 following a disciplinary hearing between the NFA and Cosmos, his reappointment has been well-received by many who took to social media to express their support. Football enthusiast Abuti Magnus Tjueza congratulated Cosmos, emphasising that the NFA is in dire need of strong legal leadership. Similarly, former footballer Oubaas Mokwena also extended his congratulations, reflecting a general sense of optimism surrounding Cosmos’s return. -lmupetami@nepc.com.na