THE Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) Local Organising Committee (LOC) that is in charge of coordinating the home games in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers for the Golden Jaguars has been right on track every step of the way as the events draw nearer. Guyana’s Golden Jaguars will face the Group B Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico in three home matches at the Guyana National Stadium on June 12, September 11 and October 12, respectively.
They are scheduled to play Mexico in Mexico City on June 8, and El Salvador and Costa Rica on July 9 and November 9 at venues in those countries, to be announced.
Yesterday a simple press briefing was held at the Guyana National Stadium by the LOC to give an update of how they have been preparing to host the teams.
Sitting at the head table was Deputy General Secretary George Rutherford, General Coordinator Kirk Douglas and Committee Member Troy Peters.
Among the major issues addressed were security and assessment of venue, which according to Douglas, are major concerns of FIFA. FIFA has sent several documents to the Federation on what is needed to be put into motion for the hosting of the matches.
Douglas stated that FIFA has been very impressed with the organisation’s progress thus far and are supporting them fully.
He disclosed that since Guyana advanced from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) leg and have entered the CONCACAF stage, a match inspector has been sent to assess the venue to see if it is up to standard to host the game.
The inspector stated that the mound in the ground is prohibited because by FIFA standard a seat for a spectator is to be bolted down, hence, the possibility of it become a ‘missile’.
Other aspects such as vending, broadcasting and spectator control have all been taken care of and will be properly supervised by FIFA personnel.
Meanwhile, the GFF would like to make clear to the public that a ‘No Exit’ policy is in place which means that once a person enters a stand; he/she cannot exit and be readmitted unless a new ticket is purchased.
A price of $3 000 has been set per ticket with parking passes being sold for $1 000, both of which can be purchased at Ashmin’s. Hospitality booths can also be paid for by contacting the GFF office.