Letter to the Sports Editor…Local football and its continued underdevelopment

May 28, 2014 Sports

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Dear Sir,
The publication of an article captioned “Matthias confident of General Council’s support at today’s Ordinary Congress” K.N. 26.04.14 Editor, in no significant way has it escaped my attention for public comment, moreover, with a byline “cites creditors and Golden Jaguars debt as unpardonable”.
Apart from the aforementioned comment being ironic and also pathetic, remains a clear indication that the individual is definitely oblivious to what sponsorship entails within a budgetary framework. Utilizing the World Cup Qualifiers as an example, local compulsory expenditures are as follows: Encampment- Accommodation, Meals, Laundrying, Transportation, Supplements, Training Equipment, Medical Supplies, Players’ Stipend, Physiotherapist, Refreshments and payments for additional staff i.e. Equipment Manager, Masseur and Nutritionist. Given the fact that encampment in the interim is for a period of five (5) days, at a cost of $450,000 daily. Then within six (6) instances of five (5) days encampment, the total cost would amount to: 5x6x $450,000 = $13,500,000! This is against the backdrop that salaries/wages have not being included for coaching and managerial staff along with ground rental and preparation.
With the National Stadium, being the only venue locally to host World Cup Qualifying matches, compounded by exorbitant overhead costs i.e. rental, security, gate management, ticket sellers, traffic police, advertising, ball boys, accommodation, meals and transportation (two teams; officiating personnel and match commissioner) along with the relevant payments for the latter two, in USD! Additionally, meals and beverages are also provided for workers directly connected with the game on the corresponding day, along with workers of the stadium who are paid overtime. Printing of tickets; ground preparation, medical personnel, ambulatory service, P.A/Sound System, and ball boys are all additional costs reflective in the expenditure. Meanwhile, with income consisting of advertising, sponsorship, donations, food and beverage, franchises; gate receipts (ticket sales/vehicles parking) and sale of corporate suites.
Editor, once again deceitfulness on Matthias’ behalf continues to unfold, since he must be aware from the outset of the sponsorship for initial encampment, moreover, given the local investment and economical circumstances prevailing within the business community. In this endeavour, Banks DIH, despite nothing substantial to the World Cup Qualifiers, nevertheless for decades has remained the single largest sponsors of local Football.
However, the contributions of DDL, Ansa McAl, GT&T, Digicel, Bakewell, Guyana Beverage, Beepat, Giftland, Humphrey’s Bakery, New GPC, Beharry Group of Companies and others too numerous to mention must all be lauded. But what of the banking sector, tourism industry, government agencies, hoteliers, transportation, construction, mining and other local distributors for international product?
So, with the inability of the stadium to have a sold out crowd amidst a “clarion call to boycott due to an increased fee for second round matches”, Maybe Matthias can provide the relevant answer for the transformation of moving from a negative financial position for encampment of home matches and overseas travel for return matches, inclusive of increased airfares and stipends. Since it must also be taken into consideration that the compilation of budgets had to be done for over two (2) rounds, with the second one being larger!
Finally, to give a breakdown of 1,184 matches purportedly being played under the auspices of the GFF, in various associations, reflective of development, remains at its best downright dishonesty. Since during the period 2013-2014, knockout competitions was the major component! Also, it must be taken into consideration that invitational competitions attract a few, with the other clubs being neglected. Is this development? Rather is this not continued under-development, with the Essequibo FA for instance, during 2014, playing 16:20/20 matches! Does this format exist under the auspices of the GFF, CFU, CONCACAF and FIFA?
Meanwhile, the Associations of East Demerara, (not East Coast) as Matthias publicly advocated, along with East Bank and Upper Demerara must all be commended for being somehow consistent, with youth competitions. But what a burning shame on the GFF’s behalf, despite advertising an Expression of Interest in the print media, they have failed to attract sponsorship to determine the respective winners at the Association or Club level in the various divisions of competitions.  Is this reflective of true and meaningful development?
Also it must be noted that the once powerful GFA is being surpassed by other Associations in relation to coordinating competitions in the various divisions, unlike what transpired between 2008 – 2010 under Troy Mendonca’s presidency. In actuality when the GFA fails, so too does the GFF!
Respectfully yours,
Lester Sealey.

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