Bartica Football Association erupts Displaced executives threatens court redress if ultimatum ignored

Jan 25, 2014 Sports

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By Michael Benjamin
Football, believed to have been enveloped in vile confrontations, has reached another snafu following a raging dispute between executives of the ruling body and those of the Bartica Football Association (BFA) after elected officials of the latter group have accused those of the former of high handed actions that has resulted in the unconstitutional imposition of Interim Management Committee (IMC) to run football in the region.
The issue has reached boiling point after the affected executives of the BFA said that they were unconstitutionally displaced following a visit by the GFF President, Christopher Matthias, to the mining community and the eventual installation of the IMC. Consequently, the displaced group has written to the GFF General Secretary, Noel Adonis and threatened court action if their request to have the decision overturned is not met by Monday January 27 next.

However, Mr Matthias has debunked the allegations saying that his visit stemmed from an appeal by several disgruntled Bartica clubs over the laxity by current executive members that has resulted in the cessation of football activities. Mr Matthias said that he was asked to mediate over the issue and while he responded, it was the clubs, and not him, that moved a no confidence vote against the displaced executives.
Secretary of the BFA, Carlton Beckles, said that his executives have decided to contest the ruling and will not relinquish office to the unconstitutional IMC. He said that he has recently dispatched a letter to General Secretary (GFF), Noel Adonis, informing him of the decision taken by his colleagues.
The BFA General Secretary further said that on Monday 13 last, his team has issued a 7 days ultimatum to the General Secretary (GFF) to rescind the decision otherwise the affected officials plan to seek legal redress. That ultimatum expires on Monday 27 next.
When contacted at his office in the GFF Secretariat, Dadanawa Street, Section K Campbellville, Mr Adonis confirmed receipt of the letter from the BFA and said it is receiving attention. He did not wish to elaborate on the issue and suggested this reporter seek an audience with Mr Matthias. The latter individual admitted that he had travelled to Bartica at the behest of aggrieved members of several clubs that accused the elected officials of the BFA of laxity. Mr Matthias provided documentation sent to his office by several members of various Bartica based clubs that stated that they had moved a vote of no confidence against the entire executive of the BFA. The aggrieved members cited laxity on the part of the elected BFA executive and said that there has been no football activity in the region for well over two years. They said that the youths of the community were suffering as a result of such laxity.
Meanwhile, one of GFF Vice President, Ivan Persaud spoke with us and confirmed that he, accompanied by Committee Member, Keith O’Jeer, had travelled to Bartica earlier and held discussions with members of the aggrieved clubs. Mr Persaud said that they organized a meeting with all of the parties involved but members of the BFA failed to attend. In his defence, Mr Beckles said that none of his executives received official word of the function. He said that as far as he knew, Mr O’Jeer had called the home of President (BFA), Carlos Prowell, but the latter individual was not there. Efforts to speak with Mr Prowell failed as his cell number rang out. Mr O’Jeer admitted that he was unable to speak with Mr Prowell and was only able to do so one day after the meeting.
Mr Persaud related that he has since submitted a report to his superiors which prompted Matthias’ visit.
Chairman of the Regional Democratic Council, Gordon Bradford, confirmed the dismal situation concerning the sport in the region. He said that he was approached by concerned persons who complained of the situation and asked him to mediate. Mr Bradford said that he in turn sought the intervention of GFF officials. Five of the seven clubs which enjoy full membership of the BFA signed the letter to Mr Matthias while the other 2, which are associate members, declined.
Meanwhile, Mr Beckles said that his group has since sought legal advice and is prepared to move to the courts if their concerns are not amicably addressed by Monday. Quizzed on fears of possible ramifications he replied, “FIFA is not against their affiliates resorting to the courts to settle internal matters and we have ventilated the issue to its fullest before taking this stance.”

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