Dear Editor

I HEREBY refer to the above caption as it relates to Sports Scope Our Opinion- “has the GFF exceeded its mandate?” published in the Stabroek News 29.11.17.

Editor, before I divulge the harsh but sad realities of the situation as it unfolded in the publication, may I remonstrate that apart from not providing a definitive answer, or a solution to the question asked by the principal player (s) in Sports Scope, “Enhanced investigative sports journalism, along with meaningful interpretation of Constitutional Articulation, aided by the relevant application”, can go a far way towards public edification, impartiality and professionalism.

As a consequence, the “GFF has and never had a moral obligation”[sic] to entertain a private Promotional Group’s request, seeking approval to organise a football tournament. While I would agree that three weeks is definitely too long a period of time to elapse for a response to a previously sent letter of correspondence/email.

Nevertheless, private promoters still don’t have the right to officially launch their promotions publicly, without being assured that all systems are in place. It’s for this simple reason that this confounded five-a-side nonsense must cease forthwith until such time as the most important ingredients–the players and their welfare are seriously regularised.

First and foremost, what percentage of players are affiliated to the GFF, via Clubs? Further, how many of them play in the GFF Elite League, which may cater for 250 players from the 10 clubs? Should an Elite League player receive an injury on an asphalted/concrete surface and is sidelined for 4-6 weeks, would a private promoter undertake the medical expense(s)? Since the insurance coverage wouldn’t and quite rightfully so! As for the other players playing domestically in various associations for their respective clubs, they still are under the auspices of the Guyana Football Federation.

Additionally, the Guyana Football Federation, within its mandate as the governing body for the sport nationally, is responsible for: “Continued Development, Promotion and Regularisation”! Suffice it to say, the GFF is also constitutionally empowered to “sanction, discipline and ban any player(s), official(s) and club(s) that fail to adhere to its directive about participating in unsanctioned tournaments/competitions.”

In all due fairness to the GFF, it’s this august body, through the instrumentality of FIFA and CONCACAF over the years which provides funding, equipment and resource personnel to coordinate courses, seminars and workshops for the sport’s continued development in the various areas of administration, coaching, sports recovery from injuries, nutrition and refereeing, just to name a few.

Is it then fair for a private promotional group to utilise and exploit, albeit “prostitute” the “ballers” for personal financial gains? Would any promotional interest go the extra mile to have adequate security and ambulatory service in the event of a serious injury occurring? What of a simple stretcher, mobile lavatories, more so for the females, along with changing facilities? Or is this done in public?

Interestingly, the aforementioned are just a few of the conditionalities the federation can include in a contract prior to granting approval. Prize money, referees’ fees and levy fees etc. are also compulsory before the contract is inked. However, from all indications, there are a few individuals who “Want it in bake and in cake”! They are utilising their position(s) within the sports section of the print media to promote private promoters’ personal self-aggrandisement.

Is this the case of any sports journalist from Stabroek News? Would it be prudent for participating teams in a five-a-side tournament to drop off their registration forms to a sports journalist at their place of employ? Isn’t this a conflict of interest? But the “Hired pens and de-facto PROs”, all are about the money.

Editor, if the GFA sees it fit to organise a year-end, five-a-side tourney, surely it should be for clubs over which they have jurisdiction and not street teams. Should the GFA deem it fit to contract a private organisation to coordinate their affairs, then it’s their business. In the final analysis, the old adage of private promoters coming through clubs or associations in seeking approval, should be reviewed.

Likewise, the “Guinness Goal” which is tantamount to match-fixing, when the chips are down for a tournament favourite on the verge of being eliminated, resulting in the likely drop of sales. As it relates to the Guyana Futsal Association, surely a “conflict of interest” arises with its president, as part of a “Promotional Group” that promotes a year-end tournament. While for the entire year the GFF’s affiliate is dormant.

Once again this affiliate must get its act together and have an “Annual calendar of activities for futsal football only! A timely reminder–the “World Club Championship” was initially developed and promoted by a private promotional group, but was eventually taken away by FIFA, which controls it until today. In relation to disciplinary matters,” which disciplinary committee would be utilised for these ad-hoc, organised tournaments?

Regards
Lester Sealey