… another tentative kick-off date set

By Ras Wadada
THE ongoing impasse between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and some Elite clubs continued last Tuesday when five clubs were a no-show at a crucial meeting to finalise plans for the start of the new season which has already seen two tentative dates go by.Despite the absence of champions Slingerz, along with Alpha United, Pele FC, GFC and Monedderlust FC, a new date for the opening of the much-awaited 2016-17 Elite League was discussed and it was agreed to start after the October 11 International fixture against Jamaica.
The teams that showed up for the meeting were all presented with 12 footballs each by the Federation to assist with their training preparations for the new season. The recipients included newcomers Victoria Kings and Topp XX as well as Fruta Conquerors, Buxton United and the GDF.
A reliable source informed Chronicle Sport that First vice-president of the GFF, Retired Brigadier Bruce Lovell, seemed well prepared for the teams which are contending the legitimacy of the GFF to expand the League by including two more teams.
Although they were not present Lovell emphasised to those present that the GFF has a MOU and not a contractual arrangement with the clubs with regard to how the League is executed.
Further, the expansion of the League was done by the GFF in consultation with the eight Elite Clubs and more importantly the GFF has the authority to alter, amend or bring a halt to the competition.
When contacted on the latest development of the ongoing saga, GFF president Wayne Forde stated that he will comment after the Executive meets to determine the way forward.
Meanwhile manager of Slingerz FC, Colin Aaron, related to Chronicle Sport that the notice for the meeting fell short of the stipulated 48 hours’ notice and, in addition, his club has received no response from the GFF with regard to concerns that were written and sent to the Federation on behalf of six Elite clubs.
The six clubs, Slingerz, GDF, Pele, Alpha, Monedderlust and GFC according to Aaron, are demanding an apology from the GFF boss in retaliation to the indefinite suspension, until an apology to Forde, of Slingerz’s owner Javed Ali.
Secretary of Monedderlust FC also indicated that the notice for the meeting was too short and it clashed with another meeting that the club’s president had to attend.
Both club officials related that the notice for the meeting came late Monday afternoon for the following day – Tuesday. The Executive was expected to meet yesterday.