THE Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has announced that its 2020 Ordinary Congress, which was postponed in May due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will now take place on Saturday, December 12 at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.The Congress, according to a release from the GFF, will provide an opportunity to reconvene the football community after a challenging and disrupted year, update the GFF membership on the federation’s achievements, and agree on strategic priorities for the year ahead as officials look to phase in football activities.

“We are delighted to be able to stage this important milestone in the football calendar before the end of the year,” said GFF president Wayne Forde.

Forde added, “The Congress is a vital pillar in the governance of football and offers a platform to share the progress we have made in developing football in this extraordinary year. We will also lay out our plans for the next phase of our strategic vision to grow the game. We are confident that 2021 will be a year of growth for domestic and international football for Guyana.”

Football authorities around the world have had to postpone large-scale gatherings this year, with the annual FIFA Congress taking place online for the first time.

AT next month’s GFF Congress delegates will observe strict health protocols during the all-day event to ensure a safe environment, including social distancing, the use of face masks and increased hygiene.

“The safety and health of our community is of the upmost importance and the GFF team is working hard to ensure that the correct measures are in place to deliver a safe and secure Congress, in line with official guidelines,” Forde said.

The Congress is the highest decision-making body of the GFF which brings all voting members together, including the nine regional associations, affiliate associations for referees, coaches, women’s football, futsal and beach soccer, and Elite League clubs.