Letter to the Sports Editor... My best wishes to the Elite League, “but”

Letter to the Sports Editor… My best wishes to the Elite League, “but”

Sep 22, 2015 Sports

Dear Sports Editor,
While extensive coverage in both the electronic and print media to date has been given for the commencement of the “8 teams Elite League” (18.09.15.) with a double header at the Lenora Athletic Track, Editor, it’s my sincere desire that both pre and post match write-ups; results and other aspects i.e. action photos of matches are also given towards ensuring the “product of football” in the print media, would enhance its marketing. Within the context of a budgetary expenditure being in the vicinity of $60,000,000 for a total of 60 matches; consisting of 56, in the regular league format, and 4 for the knockouts; Transcending into a $1,000,000 per match, by equation! Have the Normalization Committee, taken into serious consideration sponsorship by local economic standards cannot account for at least 50% of expenditure? Additionally, gate receipts as the major source of income cannot account for the remainder!
So, with inadequate seating accommodation at some venues, and poor playing surfaces, along with an entrance fee of $1,000 for patrons, can it be envisaged that a minimum of 600 paying persons on any given day will cushion some aspects of the deficit? Also, would the National Stadium be utilized to host any of the finals for the knockout segments since it’s by far the largest venue for seating accommodation, but with a higher rental fee and other costs? Should there be an increase of entrance fee to $2,000. Is there any guarantee of attracting 15,000 paying persons to account for $30,000,000? By the way, is this truly reflective of a League format, and which other part of the world is this obtained?
Meanwhile, with domestic activity within most associations virtually absent, for almost the entire year, moreso, at the youth level, is total development of football nationally being envisaged over a 4 year period? With 8 teams nationally playing 14 matches each, in a league, over an 8 month period be equated pound for pound ; with our regional counterparts in Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago? Further, would the Elite League participants account for the entire senior national team selection squad locally?
Finally, “Who killed the Sparrow? Nobody knows”! Editor, it’s with utter dismay to have read in your edition of (18.09.15.) of former GFF employee, Lawrence “Sparrow” Griffith duly informing the public of his dismissal by the Normalization Committee, Chairman! While my late mother, in one of her wise sayings always advocated, “A story has 3 sides; your side, my side and the truth”! It’s beyond basic understanding that the individual, wasn’t subject to a Disciplinary Hearing. His dismissal apart from being autocratic and dictatorial borders on: “A denial of natural justice, which must be done and not appear to be done”! Further, by FIFA standards the absence of “Fair Play”.
As such, it would serve the Normalization Committee’s interest well to respond to Mr. Griffith’s claims for public gullibility. Further, is there a Disciplinary Committee in place at the GFF? If not, why so, moreover, with the commencement of the Elite League? And a timely reminder Sparrow “red cards are issued before, during and after a match, and not only to players alone but also officials and supporters of any club”! However, what is of utmost importance is being subjected to Disciplinary hearing, based on the severity of the charges instituted. With the exceeding high level of inefficiency, incompetence and unprofessionalism currently existing in most government agencies, recourse should be sought via CONCACAF or the Local courts.
Respectfully yours,
Lester Sealey.

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