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Wilson seeks FIFA intervention
…GFF presidential candidate threatens legal action
By Rawle Toney
Kaieteur Sports – Following the exclusion of Santos FC, Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force (GPF), and the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) from the Guyana Football Federation’s December 9 Congress, presidential candidate Franklin Wilson is considering legal action unless FIFA intervenes.
FIFA General Secretary, Fatma Samoura
Former GFF president, Franklin Wilson
In a letter addressed to FIFA’s General Secretary, Fatma Samoura, and obtained by Kaieteur News, Wilson questions the GFF’s authority to disqualify legitimate members from the upcoming Congress.
Wilson stated, “It is my understanding that one of the duties of the Electoral Committee (EC) is to prepare the voter list with the assistance of the General Secretariat. The EC does not have the authority to debar or suspend members.”
A former GFF president, Wilson pointed out that members were not given any notice of disciplinary proceedings or suspension by the GFF. They only learned of their ineligibility when the list of members was released on December 2, 2023.
Wilson argues that members have been deemed suspended without due process, violating the principles of natural justice that involve laying charges and allowing the accused a fair opportunity to defend themselves, none of which occurred.
GFF President, Wayne Forde
The seasoned sports administrator explained, “It is my understanding that the jurisdiction of suspending members is the GFF Congress. Temporary suspension may be done by the General Council following due process, and such suspensions are placed before the next Congress for a final decision. It is my understanding that these members were never allowed to defend themselves.”
Wilson emphasised that the unilateral disqualification of legitimate members, who are solely part of his slate, appears to be an attempt to manipulate the election outcome by disenfranchising voting members.
He noted that these members have actively participated in recent GFF tournaments and the Elite League, with the surprising exception that they are barred only from elections and not other GFF activities.
As the leader of his slate, Wilson urgently seeks a response to the situation, expressing concern that the Electoral Committee’s actions do not bode well for the sport.
The GFF Electoral Committee, led by Marcel Bobb, declared four Elite League Clubs ineligible for the Extraordinary Congress on December 9, citing Article 15.1 (b), which requires a Member to hold an election for its decision-making body at least every four years.
Simultaneously, the Electoral Committee unveiled the competing slates for the December 9 congress.
The incumbent Wayne Forde heads one slate, contested by former president Franklin Wilson.
The competing slates include proposed vice presidents, ordinary members, and key figures in Guyana football.
- Fatma Samoura, FIFA General Secretary, Former GFF president, Franklin Wilson, GFF President, Wayne Forde
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