Elite Football Clubs give their views

THE current embroilment with some Elite clubs and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is seemingly unresolvable and adds to the many challenges the Wayne Forde elected Executive Committee has been up against since taking over the governance of the ‘Beautiful Game’ from a FIFA installed Normalisation Committee last year November.Five resignations and two dismissals have occurred and the Federation has been without a General Secretary for over four months now.
Chronicle Sport in its continuing efforts to promote the sport caught up with the Elite Clubs to get their views on the expansion of the Elite League and the effects of the present stalemate.
Fruta Conquerors FC
“Fruta Conquerors has no problem with the expansion of the league to accommodate the two additional clubs. Based on the rationale put forward by the GFF on the expansion, it should first be highlighted that both clubs are recipients of an elite club license.In addition,what should be noted is that it is the GFF’s prerogative first and foremost by way of the GFF Constitution”.
“It is clearly stated by way of Constitution that they are the authority for the Elite League. The other reasons that they have also put forward,even though debatable and we have no issues with them, in terms of the clubs chosen and reasons offered. It should also be noted that the GFF also finances 3/4 of the league’s current operating expenses, and no other cost is borne by the clubs to participate in the league”.
“We would also like the public to know that during our deliberations on the review of year-one of the league,the GFF Executive did take a number of recommendations onboard as suggested by the clubs. It should be appreciated that this Elite League is still in its infancy stages and as such we felt that clubs should have been more accommodating to changes being offered as we search for the right formula and balance to have our own professional league in Guyana…but if at this early stage we are quibbling over the expansion of two teams, it sets a very bad precedent of what could occur should other issues surface”.
“The present situation is affecting our club in a big way, as the morale of the players is very low, the uncertainty regarding the restart date is causing anxiety, the coaches cannot set a proper training schedule as you do not want to peak the team too early.We are also concerned about the image that is reflected to persons outside Guyana, how can you recruit foreign players to come to such an environment where they are unsure if they shall ever kick a football? Are those clubs who recruited players since August paying them to just train? How do we compensate sponsors who would have been expecting the league to resume since the first week in September? If clubs were negotiating with sponsors to promote their brand for games that should have started since September and we are now at the end of October with no idea of a restart date,who pays the compensation cost for lost time? These are real questions that the GFF has to take into consideration,not just how the other clubs are thinking about these issues, but the other larger issues as well with regards to contractual arrangements with sponsorsed players and others.”
“I hope that when the issue is settled (if it is) that we put a clause somewhere in the rules that such issues must never ever again disrupt the resumption of the league. What about if we had TV rights and a deal, and money was paid up-front to the GFF? It’s very sad to say but we truly lack professionalism.”
Monedderlust FC.
“Our Club is not against the expansion of the Elite League since Berbice is being starved of football at the highest level and we being the only club from the ancient county,need to compete against quality players in an organized arena that is competitive. More teams mean more football that is the simplest way we can put it.” “The delayed start gives us the opportunity to be better prepared for the commencement of the Elite League, owing to the fact that there was an exodus of players on the passing of our late manager, Mr. Kevin Layne. The present situation is a huge blow to the image and leadership of the governing body,the GFF and the cooperation of its member Elite clubs. It also will hinder sponsorship confidence and involvement as well as fan support”.
Alpha United FC
“We are not against the expansion of the League, but the manner in which it is being done is what we have a problem with. There must be proper consultation,since we had a two-year agreement which does not include any provision for relegation, promotion or addition in our mutual agreement. The delayed start obviously will affect us economically and is a burden for our club to the extent we have stopped training from last week since there is no indication as to how soon we will have a start. It is unfair to clubs and players where the sport has reached and definitely it affected our national team in the recent CFU Championship”.
Guyana Defence Force FC
“At this point and time we have no problems with Victoria Kings and Top XX being included in the Elite League. Both these sides have huge following and are among the top football sides in this country,so the inclusion of these two teams will certainly help to boost gate receipts which the sport needs. It could only be a win situation for football in Guyana to have these two sides included. We are hungry to get out on the pitch and play because we have been training hard.”
“This delay surely will affect the development of the League but we understand the present financial situation that the GFF is faced with that is preventing the payments to the clubs from last season. I think the GFF needs to make a decision as soon as possible and have the League in motion”.
Tomorrow we will have the views of the other four Elite Clubs: Slingerz FC, GFC, Pele FC and Buxton United FC.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.