The High Court’s Commercial Division has ordered the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) to meet with Punchlines Tanzania Limited in an attempt to mediate the dispute between them involving an alleged breach of contract over 141m/- payments.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF)
Judge Robert Makaramba gave the order after being informed by lawyers from Excellent Attorneys Advocates for TFF and advocate Benjamin Mwakagamba for Punchlines Company that the filings of documents in the case were completed and the parties were ready to proceed for full trial.
However, before the case goes for full hearing the parties are required to meet and try to resolve their differences. Judge Agathon Nchimbi will mediate the parties and if they do not come to an agreement the case will go for hearing.
Apart from seeking the 141m/- payments, the Punchlines is also asking to be paid other damages to be assessed by the court and payments on interests of the claimed amount of 141,096,464/-, costs of the suit and any other orders or relief as the court may deem fit to grant.
It is alleged that the company and TFF entered into the contract for supply of tickets from 2008 to 2011 for various tournaments. It was one of the terms of the said agreement that depending on the prevailing circumstances, tickets may be supplied on credit basis upon TFF’s own commitment to repay in future.
It is further alleged that the balance outstanding for the year 2008-9 for Tusker/Vodacom/Taifa Stars matches was 58,092,556/-, whereas the balance outstanding for CECAFA 2010 Cup was 34,945,110/-.
“Balance outstanding for Vodacom Premier League 2011 up to 10th April 2011 is 37,467,560/- and Taifa Stars versus (Central Africa Republic) CAR dated 21st March 2011 is 10,585,238/-,” reads part of plaint of suit lodged by advocate Benjamin Mwakagamba.
It is alleged that despite the assignment being well done by the company and tax invoice and delivery note being accordingly issued and despite being served with repeatedly demand notices, the TFF refused to pay.
“As a consequence of the defendant’s (TFF) act and disorderly conduct which amounted to the total breach, the plaintiff (company) have seriously suffered damage as their reputation with bankers have been severely injured,” the suit states.
Furthermore, it is claimed that the plaintiff’s budgets and payment schedules of their other customers have been disrupted because funds, which were expected in the plaintiff’s account have not been received. However, in its written statement of defence signed by Secretary General Angetile Osiah, TFF denies all claims advanced by the company. The TFF has challenged the company to provide proof in respect of the amount claimed and the contract which is claimed to have been entered by the parties.
By FAUSTINE KAPAMA, Tanzania Daily News
