Letter to the Sports Editor On this rare occasion, the GFF deserves a round of applause

Jan 30, 2020 Letters, Sports

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Dear Sir,

During the course of last month (December), the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), had publicly outlined: “its intention as the nation’s governing body for the sport of football; under its jurisdiction, to sanction officials (administrators, coaches and referees) along with players. While not foregoing physical trainers and physiotherapists, for participating in non-approved competitions and tournaments”. However, the GFF, must in all of its “vested powers, due process and Fair Play: ensure within its ambit of its own domestic competitions/ tournaments; international -engagements; honour all payments within a specific time frame, i.e. 7-14 days. Since with the publication of a press release to that effect, would remove any notion: “duplicity, a lack of accountability and transparency”.
Meanwhile, as it relates to the approval of competitions and tournaments, privately organized; It’s my “humble opinion that this current administration of the GFF, erred significantly to completely avoid the continuous issue, from day one of its tenure:
As a matter of fact, “inherent policies” from previous administration(s), which were working well “shouldn’t have been cast aside”, but over time can be modified.
i) Firstly, each Association within a specific time frame, must submit to the GFF, its Annual Calendar of Activities. Thereafter the GFF, compiles its own Calendar.
ii) Secondly, during the period of May-June, traditionally the rainy season, indoor or asphalted outdoor football competition(s)/tournament(s) can be facilitated.
iii) Thirdly, Association(s) year-end tournaments must be given first priority, over those that are privately coordinated/organized. The GFF, as the parent body, can coordinate a national K.O. utilizing clubs from all Associations. But they must be first rated (champions & runners – up), towards making their product marketable, sponsorship and spectatorship friendly.
iv) Fourthly, a national stakeholders forum for privately coordinated competition(s) / tournament(s) must be a “front burner issue”, whereby all and sundry for once and for all, must attend.
The relevant paperwork must be prepared for individuals to fully comprehend that: “Sports, is no longer sports, but rather serious business”. As a consequence, the “procrastination and prostitution of footballers, must cease forthwith”. Editor, I’m absolutely sure that for the past 4 years, of the GFF, under Mr. Forde’s stewardship, the Federation’s “Audited Financial Statement” for the corresponding period, under “Income” isn’t reflective of: “Levy Fees: GYD $1,000,000.
By “relative comparison, under Mr. Klass’ stewardship it would have been GYD $10,000,000 approximately. Wow! All from deviation of inherent policies, constitutionally”!
Further, within the conditionalities of the Federation’s contract with coordinators, promoters and organisers. Clubs/Teams, whose players are under the auspices of the GFF, must receive “35% of net gate receipts, at the end of each playing day, where an entrance is charged 7 ½ % each, with the 2 losers pocketing 10% apiece”.
This formula would end at the conclusion of the quarterfinals, since at the semi finials stage, prizes monies are an automatic guarantee. Liquified beverages and transportation must be also included. In the event of a situation occurring where there is no “gate receipt” 30% of the prize monies must be lodged upfront. “Levy Fees” can also be calculated at a percentage of the prize monies or gate receipts; or a “fixed sum” whichever is greater.
Editor, remonstratively and reiteratively, within the period of two years ago, I had penned a letter publicly, “calling on the GFF, to regularize”, 5-a-side football. Whereas, personalized self-aggrandizement by promoters takes precedence over the players welfare, which shouldn’t be.
It can never be fair to the GFF, to develop players by virtue of exposing coaches to: Courses, Seminars and Workshop, then for “small goal promoters” that contributes nothing to development, to “ride off into the sunset, with pockets full on monies”, while not even supplying a band – aid, ice pack and medical personnel.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the “role and function” of the National Sports Commission: as it relates to the legitimate time of closure for the Sports Hall and the Gymnasium, is it compatible to the “Public Security Act” that football tournaments, is played after 02:00hrs? Would members of the Guyana Police Force, invade those state-owned facilities, to bring the proceedings to an abrupt end? Of course not, with “duplicity” taking center stage.
With “small goal football” offering nothing tangible to development of the sport, the GFF must immediately take the “bull by the horns” and act hastily.
Just don’t “talk the talk, but also walk the walk”!
Respectfully yours,
Lester Sealey.

 

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