… Alpha United debarred from K&S Tourney
FOLLOWING a request from member associations and affiliates, the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Executive Committee met with Presidents and Secretaries of its member associations on Sunday November 12, at which several matters were raised and at the same time, decisions made. One such decision involves the long-awaited FIFA-sponsored GOAL Project which will now be supervised by a three-man committee, comprising Keith O’Jeer, Carlos Bernard and Aubrey Hutson.
Another important decision which was agreed at the meeting involves the debarring of clubs from this year’s Kashif and Shanghai tournament, if they participate in tournaments that are not sanctioned by the GFF.
Meanwhile, on December 3, 2006, the Goal Bureau approved a project by the Guyana Football Federation, which for a long time previously could not be carried out for reasons related to domestic politics.
A sponsor had guaranteed the transfer of land to get the project which included the construction of a playing field, stands, dressing room and accommodation, underm way from January 1, but to date, nothing has occurred.
The ban imposed on long-serving GFF president Colin Klass, saw vice-president Franklyn Wilson ascend to the stewardship of the GFF on a temporary basis and to date, tremendous strides have been made in Guyana’s football.
Topping the list of achievements is the Golden Jaguars’ advance to the third round of the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifiers tournament, a remarkable and at the same time historic feat in the annals of Guyana’s football.
According to a press release sent by the GFF, the trio will not only supervise the project, but also ensure the expedition of same in a safe and timely manner, since it will enable the association to offer adequate training conditions to its national teams at all levels.
The meeting, which was deemed a successful one by all in attendance, also recognised the outstanding contributions of by Klass to local, regional and international football, and the spin-off effects being witnessed from the performances of Guyana’s Under-17 and U-20 male and female teams, along with the Golden Jaguars.
And while the GFF took the time to congratulate the male and female Under-17 and U-20 teams along with the Golden Jaguars, their management staff, sponsors, fans and the Government of Guyana for their support, they have set next February as the time to recommence their Super League.
The GFF plans to notify FIFA, CONCACAF, the Regional Development Officer and clubs, about the Super League, while the Financial Committee will be reactivated to provide oversight of the GFF’s financial management and administration services.
On a serious note, clubs which participate in tournaments not sanctioned by the GFF will not be allowed to compete in the upcoming 22nd edition of the Kashif and Shanghai (K&S) tournament which is set to kick off on December 10, with the organisers being notified.
One such club which will be hampered by this decision is the country’s number one club and defending K&S champions Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United, since they are currently competing in the Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) President’s Beer tournament.
The meeting also endorsed and approved the four conditions which the GFF and their attorney advanced to the GFA and its attorney, for the reinstatement of the latter as a Full Member of the GFF.
A reconvening of the GFF’s aborted Congress at an early date when such is amicable enough to do so, along with a meeting with the Georgetown Football Referees Council, aimed at having discussions to implement a National Referees Committee, was also discussed and agreed at the meeting.