THE RACE to see who will host this year’s ‘End-of-the-Year’ football tournament is officially on, as president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Christopher Matthias yesterday disclosed that the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) had also submitted a letter of intent to host its annual event. 

However, it was also stated that the GFF is exploring the possibilities of hosting a tournament of its own as well as keeping in mind that other affiliates would want to play a competition during the specified period.
“We’ve gotten a letter from the GFA saying that they are making preparations to host their year-end tournament and also the GFF is exploring the possibility of having an inclusive tournament with all the associations. Keep in mind that all the associations can have their own tournament as well,” Matthias said.
Kashif and Shanghai had bid to host the 25th edition of its championship and the GFF responded, asking the private organisers to present the rules and fixtures for the tournament, approval of the regional associations for participating clubs, approved venues for the tournament, allocation of prize money and prizes as well as security and medical arrangements.
After receiving sponsorship from Banks DIH for over two decades, a switch saw the event subsidised by Ansa McAl under its Stag Beer Brand but the Kashif and Shanghai organisation has been tight-lipped on which of the two entities will be sponsoring this year’s event, if permission is given.
But there’s also a shred of uncertainty surrounding the possibility of the GFA’s attempt to host its fourth tournament, according to Matthias.
“You can quote me on this; It’s highly improbable of that happening based on what happened last year,” the GFF boss said of the GFA and its tournament, speaking on the backdrop that there are teams, officials and personnel who are still owed by the GFA from their last Banks Beer Cup which was won by Slingerz Football Club.
According to sources close to the GFA, the administration found itself in debt of close to $21M and, when contacted by this newspapers, a high-ranking Banks DIH official said that it’s not likely the company will be partnering with the GFA in the future to stage the competition.
There are rumours circulating within the football circle that Kashif and Shanghai will team up back with Banks DIH as title sponsor for its tournament, dropping Ansa McAl but when grilled, the beverage giant neither confirmed nor denied, only stating “let’s see what happens”.
Thus far, the Kashif and Shanghai body has not disclosed its ‘title’ sponsor, only commenting on the possibility of hosting the tournament, with co-Director Kashif Mohammed saying “We are working on the requirements the GFF asked for.”
Matthias said the GFF is hoping to make a decision on the way forward by this weekend after meeting with its affiliates with intention to make a decision. He said “it’s a decision I would not make on my own”

(By Rawle Toney)