Disgruntled Footballers threatens successful staging of K&S Football Extravaganza

Nov 28, 2010 Sports

Less than three weeks prior to the kickoff of the 21st edition of the Kashif and Shanghai football extravaganza officials of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) have been called in to mediate on an issue that could seriously affect the success of the tournament.
Reports are that K&S has decided to pay the sum of $50,000 to each participating club to offset training expenditure.
A source told this newspaper that the executives of some of the clubs are dissatisfied by the meager offerings suggested by the organisers and have held out for a minimum of $200,000. These developments did not go down well with the organizers who held firm to the initial offer. Their stance evoked rumblings within the rank and file of the clubs and some of the affiliates even threatened to boycott the tournament.
There are other reports that President of the Alpha Football Club; Odinga Lumumba was in the forefront of the action to increase the participation fees. The K&S group viewed this development as an act of dissension and decided to omit the Alpha FC from the tournament.
The situation reached a head yesterday morning when three affiliates, purportedly representatives of the clubs, convened to discuss the issue. Kaieteur Sport was reliably informed that the trio was headed by Conquerors president, Marlan Cole with support from Lyndon France (Buxton United) and a member of the Seawall United FC.
They decided to seek an audience with the K&S group in peaceful consultations to effect discussions on the increase of the fees. Reports also suggest that the footballers requested that Lumumba extricate himself from the negotiations panel so as to enhance harmonious consultations. The group has since attempted to open talks with the K&S group.
Meanwhile, this publication spoke with Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major and he affirmed that he is aware of the issue.
He also said that his organisation has taken a firm stand not to negotiate with the footballers. “We have decided to take the matter to the governing body. We are prepared to abide by whatever comes out of the mediation process,” said Shanghai.
However, he said that while his organisation is open to talks and negotiation, it will not succumb to any pressures meted out by the footballers or their representatives. “We will not negotiate under duress,” exhorted Shanghai. The meeting is scheduled to be held sometime during this week while the tournament will kick off December 12 next.

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