Abdullahi Abubakar, Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Football Association, has blamed the low development of football at the grass roots on lack of sponsors.

Abubakar, who made the assertion in an interview in Abuja, said the problem was a major challenge to his association.

“Grass roots football development is our primary objective as an association but lack of sponsors to partner with us in developing this sport in the local areas has been our major challenge in recent times.

“The problem is that they believe everything lies with government. It is not everything that government is expected to do.

“We are looking for multi-nationals, banks, oil companies and private individuals to come to our aid for the development of grass roots football in the FCT and the country at large as it is done in developed countries,’’ he said.

According to him, the association has been doing its best to move football to the next level with the promotion age-grade competitions.

“Our pressing need now is for the sponsorship of the next U-15, U-16 and U-20 tournaments.  “We have written to many prospective sponsors but none has been forthcoming except for the proprietor of Agura Hotel who sponsored last year’s tournament and has promised to do same this year, he said.