Profound Gratitude for FIFA/CONCACAF Intervention in Local Football

Jan 25, 2013 Sports

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Dear Editor,
The historical one day visit by representatives of FIFA and CONCACAF, on Thursday, January 10, 2013 primarily to resolve the previous dispute between the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Georgetown Football (GFA), which led to a standoff, that lasted for almost 1 ½ years, In my estimation remains the most important and joyous moment, for the administration of local football in Guyana.
That the delegation could have met with both factions separately, then jointly, interact with various stakeholders (GFF General Council); senior national team coaching staff & players; and subsequently the media.  In addition to brokering a truce, along with providing a menu of measures towards reconciling the differences.
Three of which not surprisingly includes restoration of voting rights to both the GFA and UDFA; withdrawal of the injunction filed by the GFA against the GFF; and the convening of the GFA and the GFF’s Annual General Meetings.
Not surprisingly, and definitely not surprised, since during the course of December, last year, I had penned a letter that listed the three of the afore-mentioned among my recommendations/suggestions.
Editor, I had also suggested that “no sanctions be imposed against the GFF Executive; club (s), officials or players that supported the filing of the injunction. This comment had also caused some degree of concern among a few stakeholders in the sport‘s administration.
But with the pronouncement from FIFA, hardly an eyebrow was raised! However, what remains in the best interest of the decision making by FIFA, is the high level of efficiency and professionalism the relevant issues were dealt with.
All of which was concluded within a day at the Le Meridien Pegasus. Meanwhile with both the GFF and GFA holding their respective positions for almost 1 ½ years, there was absolutely no end to the battle in sight; since neither party was prepared to flinch from it uncompromising position!
Not even was there was an attempt for arbitration, involving the Guyana Olympic Association, which would have been more prudent, with football being an Olympic sport.
Had the battle continue the loser would have dropped dead immediately, and the winner taking two steps and also dropping dead, and the sport continuing to suffer.
In the final analysis while the intervention of FIFA and CONCACAF, was most welcome, ushering in the dawn of a new day in the sport’s administration, it is indeed joyful, that the GFF’s General Council, seriously deliberated on one of my recommendations/suggestions.
“A motion in accordance to parliamentary procedure be submitted to the General Secretary, debarring the former President from ever acceding to any position in the sport again”, which should tabled by the GFA!
Since it was within Georgetown, where he started, and the largest association should be given the privilege of performing the “coupe de grace”!
This comes against the backdrop that the blessing in disguise from FIFA/CONCACAF, mandating that the GFF Ordinary Congress, including Elections of Office bearers must be held no later than April, 2013.
And with Klass’ suspension ending in October, of this year, shouldn’t even allow him the privilege of receiving a nomination for any position thereafter.
The individual over the years of his reign became exceedingly self-centered and egotistical! His rapid rise within sub-committees of CFU and CONCACAF, thanks to revered loyalty to the region’s former head Mr. Austin “Jack” Warner, was never equated to our country’s development of the sport.
A typical example was while Klass had previously served as Chairman of CFU’s Futsal Committee, Guyana never benefited as a host of a Regional Futsal tournament!
However, Trinidad and Tobago, with Warner as a former advisor to the TTFF, ensured they hosted numerous finals within CFU, at both the junior and senior levels for males and females; in addition to a Youth World Cup.
But yet still, Klass would have attended more than one Futsal World Championship.
Was anything ever learnt, was the knowledge acquired ever imparted for Futsal development in Guyana? Absolutely not!
In the final analysis Klass ruled autocratically, becoming revered as a “demigod” by his lackeys and cohorts!
Everything about football administration locally was engulfed and surrounded by the image of Klass, which must also include the following:
i.    A 50 odd seater bus purchased from maybe a scrap yard in England, without a spare wheel, which made three trips the most! And was probably sold off as scrap eventually.
ii.    A 9 seater bus purchased for transporting the Technical Staff of the GFF, of which my comment at a General Council Meeting entailed. “The idea is good, but the purchase is extremely poor, since traversing the extensive terrain beyond Linden would entail a four wheel drive vehicle.
And definitely not the 9 seater which I doubt would climb the first hill on the Linden Highway! (Seek clarification from former Treasurer, Aubrey Henry).
iii.    The “Goalless” Goal Project/FIFA funded Training Facility! With the negatives outweighing the positives, it’s most sad for the sport that Klass never had anyone as an understudy, who would step up as a President, from among the GFF affiliates and command the respect of all and sundry. Does football still need Klass?
Empathically no! What even remains most sad is for an individual outside the ambits of football, to throw his hat in the ring as a potential presidential candidate. Once again thank you FIFA/CONCACAF.
Lester Sealey

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