New Constitution adopted by GFF MAs

Jun 27, 2015 Sports

Affiliates increase from 12 to 22

In a vote of unanimity, members of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) yesterday adopted a new constitution that will govern the future development of the sport.

FIFA Head of Member Associations Primo Cavaro FIFA (left) and GFF NC Chairman Clinton Urling during yesterday’s press conference.

Convened at the Marriott Hotel, Kingston, yesterday’s Extra Ordinary Congress was attended by the Rupununi Football Association, Berbice Football Association, East Demerara Football Association, Georgetown Football Association, East Bank Football Association, West Demerara Football Association, Guyana Football Referees Council, National Association of Women’s Football and the Guyana Football Coaches Association with all voting in favor of the new rules which took immediate effect.
The process which was guided by FIFA through Head of Member Associations Primo Cavaro, who was also present as well as CONCACAF and overseen by the GFF Normalisation Committee headed by Clinton Urling, was achieved in seven (7) months.
It was a historical moment for the sport as the membership of the GFF has now increased from 12 to 22 which will see for the first time in the hundred plus year history of the sport, clubs, in this case eight Elite Clubs being bestowed with voting rights.
The members are: Regional Associations: Bartica FA, Berbice FA, East Bank FA, East Coast FA, Essequibo/Pomeroon FA, Georgetown FA, Rupununi FA, Upper Demerara FA, West Demerara FA.

Delegates of the GFF MAs that attended yesterday’s Extraordinary Congress pose for a photo following successful deliberations.

The eight Elite Clubs: Alpha United, Slingerz FC, Guyana Defence Force, Monedderlust FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Georgetown Football Club, Pele FC and Buxton United FC; Guyana Football Coaches Association, Guyana Football Referees Council, Guyana National Women’s Football Association, Guyana Futsal Association and the Guyana Beach Soccer Association.
Each of the members are entitled to two delegates at Congresses but only entitled to one vote each.
Unlike the past where elections were held for each position, the new constitution under Article 26:3 states: “Elections shall take place by slate. Each slate must foresee one candidate per position. A candidate may not be listed in more than one slate.”
Each member of the GFF will now have to redo their constitution to mirror the GFF’s and must hold elections which will be supervised by the NC. Following this process, the GFF will then hold its elections which will again be supervised by the NC.
Urling speaking at a post congress, press conference said that the Congress was very cordial and lasted for about one and a half hours.
Cavaro in remarks said he was very happy to be part of history in Guyana where the MAs were unanimous in adopting a new constitution.
“You know better than me how was the situation before we set up the Normalisation Committee and I think that what has been achieved today should help as the chairman said to move forward positively.”
Cavaro commended the efforts made by the NC in bringing the football family together to achieve something good for the sport in Guyana.
The FIFA MA Head also noted that members stated that it has been a long time since such a cordial meeting among affiliates was achieved with mutual respect for each other. He posited that these are signs which make him optimistic about the future of the game here.
He stated that the issue of Elite Clubs now being able to vote is not unique to Guyana noting that it is aimed at promoting balance among the main stakeholders whilst also encouraging dialogue amongst them.
Cavaro said going forward members of the ethics, electoral, appeals and disciplinary committees will be elected by the congress rather than being appointed by the executive. He noted that this move by FIFA is to combat the challenges that are currently facing the sport at the highest level.
“It’s a kind of guarantee for more independence. The new constitution will now set the pattern for the GFF to move forward and to get to what you deserve. I will report on the good job of the NC but also I will report on the good spirit which prevailed here today which was really positive.”