Letter to the Sports Editor…A fundamental fallacy in football’s administration

Jul 23, 2013 Sports

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Dear Sir,
As a conscious minded Afro-Guyanese, whose internal qualities would always supersede my personal outlook, unreservedly and unapologetically, I must remonstrate of being Black and had a previous association with the administration of football, for a period of 28 years (1982-2010) that during a significant period of time, the continued under-development of the sport, remained evident at the behest of an all Black executive.  And this trend from all indications is more than likely to continue, since the “toothless poodles” of the past (General Council Members) continues to swallow everything hook, line and sinker without attempting to conduct some soul searching.
It was something during my tenure (soul searching) I used to do frequently before a final pronouncement, and one of the extremely few persons I could have vouched for is Alfred King, President Referees Council, in calling a spade a spade! As such I’m ashamed that academics, professionals, members of the religious community and even from the political spectrum are silent, without some measure of soul searching, to determine whether the GFF’s President, revelation is “fact or fiction”.
This now brings me to the essential point in question; “Previous GFF Administration received USD 1.2M for switch of Guyana Vs Mexico match” as was reported by SN Sports Journalist, Duncan Saul, in an article of 30.07.13 publication. Nevertheless the absence of investigative journalism thereafter leaves much to be desired!  First, and foremost, was this revelation made during the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the First Ordinary Congress of the GFF, held at the Hotel Tower recently? Or, was it highlighted under Financial Updates/Treasurer’s Report, or Any Other Business of the Agenda?
My basic reason for outlining this specific issue is to ascertain whether any General Council Member, under “Matters Arising”  enquired about the authentication and origin of the disclosure. If, for some strange reason this wasn’t done, then the administration of football continues to be in a sorrowful state. Meanwhile with Guyana at the time ranked above 100, and presently 128 according to the latest FIFA rankings, and never participated in a Gold Cup, would had never enabled the past GFF administration the privilege of attracting USD 1.2M for forfeiting its home rights as a host!
Moreover, with Guyana out of the equation of advancing to the final leg of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. Jamaica, who had previously won the Caribbean Championships on several occasions along with participating in several Gold Cups, in addition to both Junior and Senior World Cups, played 5 times World Cup Champions Brazil, a few years ago, in an international friendly in England.
The Stadium seats were sold out 2-3 weeks prior to the match, with the Reggae Boyz pocketing   USD 500,000 and the Brazilians USD 1,500,000. A proposed visit by a Colombian A Team to Guyana had entailed the following: Appearance Fees, USD 250,000; 22 Economy & 4 First Class Aircraft Seats return, and accommodation for 26 at a Five Star Hotel, which we don’t have. It must be noted that it wasn’t the Colombian National Team with previous World Cup experience.
Editor, once again could the GFF, have attracted a price tag of USD 1.2M for switching a game? Then, if, so, isn’t this tantamount to match fixing? When taking into consideration that Mexico (host) had previously beaten Guyana 3-0!
In the final analysis with the GFF President must fully explain his public disclosure in details or issue a public apology if the statements are not entirely correct.
The General Council, by way of motion must convene an Emergency General Council Meeting, towards imposing the relevant Constitutional sanctions, re: “Duties of Officials that are bringing the Game, into disrepute”. If, for any reason whatsoever one iota of evidence is found contrary to the claim that the past GFF administration received USD 1.2M, then the resignation of the President and General Secretary, must be submitted. Since the latter would have failed in the execution of his duties of disseminating information about the profound truthfulness of the entire scenario.
Meanwhile, the under-mentioned pertinent points should raise serious questions about the sport’s (mal) administration:
I.    How can a cash-strapped GFF, bypass the boardroom of its Secretariat, and convene its first General Council Meeting (Ordinary Congress) at Hotel Tower, which would incur a substantial cost?
II.    Is it true that the GFF President, have employed a Personal Assistant, and at whose expense? Pride and prestige aside, cost cutting measures should take precedence over inflated egos, that is being massaged publicly too often!
III.    With the past GFF Administration, being unable to have a sold out crowd for any of the World Cup Qualifying matches, compounded by the fact that a GFA, Vice President, had publicly called for a boycott, due to the entrance fee for spectators of $3,000 was too costly; Simple Math’s! A sold out crowd of 15, 000 persons @$3,000=$45,000,000 (gate receipts) +$15,000,000 (Stadium Advertising, Vehicular Parking, Food & Beverage Franchises).
Total Income =$60,000,000! Expenditure =$35,000,000! Profit/Surplus =$$25,000,000=USD 122,000@Guy 205.00.
Who, in their rightful frame of mind would pay the past GFF Administration, almost 10 times the amount of profits/surplus to switch a match?
Lester Sealey.

 

 

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