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Can Mr. Klass’ comments be taken seiously?

Jun 16, 2011 Sports

Dear Sports Editor,
An article appearing on the back page of Kaieteur News publication of 02.06.11 captioned “We Did Not Receive Any Money – Klass” has placed the element of doubt within my mind as it relates to, in what capacity Mr. Klass is speaking.
Editor, the term, we, imply plurality, meaning more than one. So, within this context Guyana had two representatives at the CFU Meeting in Trinidad, on May, 10 and 11, namely: Carlos Prowell and Noel Adonis, First Vice President and General Secretary respectively.
Sir, it must be noted that Mr. Klass didn’t attend as a delegate representing the interest of Guyana, but rather as a senior executive member of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), of which he has since assumed the position of Vice President (Ag).
And further to this personal achievement – self aggrandizement, the individual to the best of my knowledge is also a member of the Finance Committee (I stand corrected). So! Mr. Klass would have been aware prior to the meeting of the intended financial gifts that Mr. Mohamed Bin Hammam, would have come bearing to the meeting!
Within this context can it now be construed that all other members of the executive could have received even more than the USD $40,000, while escaping the investigation of the real “ Santa Claus” American, Chuck Blazer, General Secretary, CONCACAF? In addition to the “magical eye” of Mr. Fred Lunn, General Secretary, Bahamas FA, who utilized his cell phone camera to good effect? Unless Bin Hammam claims otherwise the ultimate truth may never be known.
But nevertheless a few individuals would walk away with USD $40, 000 or richer.
Meanwhile, in another article appearing in the same publication captioned “13 CFU nations back Jack’s bribery denial” comes as no surprise. Since this clearly indicates that the loyalty to Mr. Warner despite being suspended remains paramount to CFU’s interest! Whether out of fear or consciously defending an unjust issue. Is Guyana one of the 13 nations? As a consequence Messrs: Klass, Powell and Adonis should be suspended forthwith, pending the outcome of an investigation.
In the final analysis the mafia running of FIFA, needs more than reform, it also needs openness in its dealing to the extent that Sports Ministries, in the respective countries (under-developed especially) can be privy to the financial aspect for development.
Term-limits for executive members and the possibility of rotation of the Presidency among Confederations should be looked at. Members should also be taken into consideration, Mr. Blatter for instance upon completing his fourth term as FIFA President in 2015 would have completed almost 40 years as a powerful decision maker, having previously served as the General Secretary.
So with some level of corruption existing at the top it must have a domino effect trickling down to Confederations, offshoots i.e. CFU and finally individual countries. However, since the old Guyanese proverb remains applicable “the palm of my hand doesn’t have hair”, the big issue with the syndicate accepting gifts, it would be no big issue for me to receive on behalf of my country.
While our country and legitimate tax-payers ought to know compliments of Mr. Kurshud Sattur, head of GRA, if Mr. Klass’ earnings from CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA are usually taxed; and if not, why? Since the individual benefits from amenities provided for by taxes.
Additionally, it would be of public interest to know if for the last two consecutive World Cups, whether the GFF submitted any requests for tickets. And whether the profits derived from resale was placed into the GFF coffers for further development of the sport. Or in someone’s pocket! Surely, it wasn’t me!
Respectfully Yours,
Lester Sealey

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