Letter to the Sports Editor

Feb 02, 2020 Sports

Was justice denied to Eagles United, Blueberry Hill when the UDFA imposed a one year ban and $50,000 for not playing in their 2019 Christmas tournament?

Dear Editor,

It does appear that the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) has been able to get approval from its General Council to sanction the number one cub Eagles United and another, Blueberry Hill United, for not playing in their Christmas football championship in December last year.
The UDFA it seems was bent on showing that clubs which challenge the authority of the governing body will not be spared the full brunt of the Constitution.
However, when one considers that the UDFA apparently did allow clubs the right to play or not to play, according to some clubs, the penalty given was somewhat without conscience knowing that the clubs did indicate their reasons for not participating.
In the case of the Eagles United they sent a letter before that tournament began, stating that past experiences where payment was a challenge even for the UDFA and Blueberry Hill outlining their reasons also, there was no hearing to have a clear grasp of the conditions raised for the clubs pulling out of that Christmas tournament.
They both have since written to the Guyana Football Federation appealing that one year ban and $50,000 fine which took effect on January 1, 2020.
What is clear, is that while the UDFA pointed to its Constitution to build its case and defend its actions, they did not do so to the full extent of the rule/law, they conveniently quoted in Article 15: 5 since just before that in Article 15:4 it gives the UDFA reason to have a disciplinary hearing and the result of such decisions to be sent to the offending club within a specified period of three days.
The fact is that the Eagles United Club sent a letter following a decision they made not to contest the Christmas tournament, to the UDFA who failed to reply to that 11th December 2019 missive, until January 22 this year.
The UDFA failed to also have the Eagles United Club and Blueberry Hill United a chance to defend themselves and get natural justice. They then set up the clubs at the General Council to have a hand in enforcing that ban and fine; even though the clubs did not do so unanimously as implied in the correspondence which stated the UDFA General Council saw all clubs agreeing with the decision.
It is now left to the Guyana Football Federation to step in and allow good sense to prevail. No one agrees with the clubs to not show respect to the authority of the UDFA but justice must not only be served but appear to be served.
It is up to the GFF now to ensure that in such matters, due process should be followed and fair play must be the priority for the good of the game.
It was only after the club was struck off the list last week to participate in the upcoming Mash tournament which starts on Sunday, that the news became known because queries were asked by the organisers why no Eagles United Football Club?
Thus, the correspondence sent since December 11, 2019 to the UDFA by Eagles United only was recognized on January 22 this year when the GFF it seems gave the instruction.
However, the time is right for the GFF to get involved and ensure that justice is delivered in this matter where clubs were used to place a sanction on two affiliates based on what was related to them by the UDFA.
There will be a briefing for the clubs invited to contest the Mash Cup football competition in Linden which starts today at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.
This will be held at the Linden Enterprise Network Boardroom on Republic Avenue in Mackenzie Linden.
Yours cooperatively,
Romeo Hazlewood.

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