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GFF’s inherent debt was known before the AGM, no need for it to be repeated
Dear Editor,
When former President of the then Guyana Cricket Board of Control, Mr. Chetram Singh had acceded to the Presidency of the GCBC, it was public knowledge that the entity was in millions of local dollars in the red. And immediately a rigorous fundraising drive was launched towards liquidating the debt. Around the same time former GFF President, Mr. Colin Klass had also acceded to the Presidency of the then Guyana Football Association, which also was in debt. And the first fundraising venture that the GFA had embarked upon was a dinner at the Pegasus International Hotel, at a $1,000 a plate.
After intensive lobbying to FIFA and CONCACAF, a significant amount of Guyana’s debt was waivered, thus enabling participation in international competitions once again. But as time went by and no significant amount of development was evident in local football, the inherent debt soon became a “swansong” for Klass’ re-election! Would this be same with the current GFF President, Mr. Christopher Matthias? That after attending two Congresses of CONCACAF and FIFA respectively, the GFF, President, in two separate press releases has resorted to the inherent debt of around $30,000,000 and $250,000 in the Federation’s Bank Account.
Editor, this now brings me to the pertinent point of the inherent debt. Wasn’t it public knowledge prior to the GFF’s AGM, emanating from the former President (ag) that the GFF was severely indebted? What would be more prudent for the public to know is how the Matthias led administration intends to tackle the debt liquidation’ over the next two years of his Presidency! Further, does Matthias intend to invoke sympathy votes, when his tenure comes to an end, in pursuit of seeking re-election?
By the way, Klass during the early stages of his Presidency had also expressed similar sentiments of an inherent debt! So, in actuality are both individuals’ two peas in the same pod? And would the letter mill industry step up its production in support of Matthias, utilizing the inherit debt as a catalyst for an additional term in office? “The more things change the more it remains the same”! Within this context it comes as no additional surprise to have read Matthias’ claim of receiving pledges of support from traditional football powers worldwide. And as I use to outline to Klass in General Council Meetings, “kindly produce the written evidence”! This also I would advocate for the GFF President to do publicly, in addition to personal/national benefits derived, in voting for the President, USA Football Federation as an Executive Committee member of FIFA. And was the General Council apprised of the decision prior to the voting process?
Meanwhile, is the GFA still indebted to the GFF an amount of $500,000 that was loaned to the former by Klass in 2001 as a bailout to complete two senior competitions under the then Presidency of the present GFF?
Would cost cutting measures be implemented to reduce annual expenditure, in non-productive Associations and overstaffing at the GFF’s Secretariat, along with generating additional income outside the regular sources. i.e. FIFA, Levy Fees, Gate Receipts and occasional sponsorship?
Lester Sealey
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