The Georgetown Football Association (GFA) yesterday denied that it is hosting a tournament simultaneously with that of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and alleged that the staging of the annual Kashif and Shanghai football tournament might be in contravention of the laws of FIFA.
This was stated in a press release from the organization yesterday.
With respect to the simultaneous staging of matches by the two tournament organizers, the GFA release said that the organization went to great pains to ensure no clashes of dates took place.
“The Kashif and Shanghi tournament is a private, for profit tournament run by the Kashif and Shanghi Organization with the blessing of the GFF.
“The schedule of the K&S tournament lists only two (2) playing days in Georgetown. The GFA went to great lengths to ensure that its playing dates do not clash with any of the K&S dates for games being played in Georgetown.”
The release also suggested that the staging of the K&S tournament might not be fully in accordance with the regulations of the world governing body FIFA.
“The sanctioned hosting of a for profit tournament by a private entity may be in contravention of FIFA’s Laws,” it added.
The release also stated that the K&S organization did not follow the proper procedures in relation to the participation of the various clubs.
“Additionally, the K&S organization by FIFA and GFF rules, should write to any association for permission to invite their clubs and/or play football in its jurisdiction. Such courtesies were not extended to the GFA.
”The GDF as a national institution cannot therefore be party to any initiative that seeks to promote divisiveness in whatever form.
“The GDF team like 15 other teams of the GFA was not invited to the Kashif & Shanghi tournament as it has historically been over the years.
The GFA said the decision to stage a tournament was made in the interest of the clubs and their fans.
“The General Council of the GFA decided to run a tournament to satisfy its clubs and fans. “Consequently, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was not put in a position of choosing one tournament over the other since it did not receive an invitation to the K&S tournament.
“The GFA respects but does not agree with the decision of the Guyana Defence Force.
“After perusal of their press it release it is clear that their decision was made without a grasp of the salient factors and the prevailing conditions.
The association expressed its disappointment with the actions of the GDF.
“The GFA is disappointed that the Lt. Colonel didn’t seek clarification and guidance during the decision making process. Further we hope that the Guyana Defence Force displays consistency in its stated position of not being “…party to any initiative to promote divisiveness” by ensuring that its players who were recently withdrawn from the GFA tournament are not added as “Guest Players” for teams in the Kashif and Shanghi tournament,” the release ended.
