Media, Information and Publicity Minister Webster Shamu yesterday hosted visiting members of the International Federation of Professional Footballers. They are in the country to assess progress made by the Footballers Union of Zimbabwe in representing interests of the players.

FIFPro Africa Division secretary-general Stephane Burchkalter, board member Thulaganyo Gaoshubelwe and director of information, Stephane Saint-Raymond, arrived in the country yesterday and are expected to meet various stakeholders during the 24-hour visit.

They paid a courtesy call at Shamu's office soon after arrival before addressing a Press conference in the evening.

Shamu - who was the guest of honour at the launch of FUZ two years ago - appealed to the FIFPro delegation to consider giving Zimbabwe full membership in the world organisation.

"Thank you for coming and honouring the promise you made at the congress in Israel last year," said Shamu.

"You promised that you will send representatives to assess how the football union in Zimbabwe is faring and we are happy you finally made it.

"We hope that you will admit Zimbabwe as a full member of FIFPro, obviously after your visit and assessment of their work and their plans. "Zimbabwe is a soccer-crazy country. I would like to believe it is the most popular sport and when we see an organisation in Zimbabwe being admitted into the international community we get excited."

FIFPro is the worldwide representative organisation of all professional football players.

Shamu also urged close co-operation between FUZ and FIFPro in championing the welfare of the players and briefed the visitors on the current Asiagate investigations.

"I hope that you will be able to consult and get to see and understand some of the problems that they (FUZ) may face so that you may be able to assist them to improve their operations."Obviously you have heard about Asiagate.

"Let me assure you that Zimbabwe has a clear position on that issue.

"The law must take its course so that the good administration of football is not tainted.

"Full investigations will be carried out."

The visiting FUZ assessment team was happy with the progress made so far by the local union.

The representatives, led by Burchkalter, hailed the union for the way it has transformed itself since its formation in 2002.

"Coming here to assess progress shows that the union has something to show. The guys are doing well and they are working hard towards the establishment of the union which is good for local footballers.

"We are happy for the progress made so far by the local FUZ team as they are trying hard to see justice prevail in player welfare.

"Professional footballers should not be treated like amateurs and their remuneration should show that.

"Representing the voice of the players is good and it makes the game improve;" Burchkalter said.

 The FUZ team was, however, disappointed with the way some of the local players are being handled after Tafadzwa Mazunze come with his complaints during their visit.

The former Shooting Stars player alleged that he had to pay his club money to have his clearance issued on a paper that did not have a letterhead.

"Those are some of the cases, which we represent, and it is not good for professional footballers," Burchkalter said.