Dear Editor,
The Guyana Football Federation is becoming a constant feature in the dailies, but unfortunately not to celebrate its achievements in any way. Its presence continues to prompt questions in the minds of readers about the leadership and if their primary goal is to see the sport of football develop in Guyana.
Many individuals, business entities and sports enthusiasts are within their rights to express their views on the federation and the business of football in and around Guyana, but unfortunately these views, recommendations and suggestions aren’t taken with any degree of seriousness, even though they can in some ways improve the federation and moreover football.
What is equally damming, however, is that the views of players from the Guyana national team who sought to ventilate their frustration publicly in relation to the leadership of the GFF, fell on deaf ears, resulting in no recourse. When players who are making grave sacrifices to represent their country venture to let their disappointment and dissatisfaction be known in the media and not directly to the federation, this brings into question their confidence in the leadership of the GFF.
Most recently the Captain of Guyana’s football team, who can be hailed as the most successful captain in Guyana’s football history, has lashed out at the leadership of the GFF, accusing them of gross incompetence and not putting the interest of the players and Guyana first. He also alleged that player contracts were withdrawn and their livelihoods taken away from them because of the administration‘s lacklustre approach to dealing with pertinent issues where proper representation was needed. It was also posited that at times players had to stand the expense for injuries incurred during their representation of Guyana. The Captain boldly blames their losses on a leadership whose actions resulted in the prevention of key players from playing.
These added revelations coupled with the ongoing conflict that exists with the GFA epitomizes the position for many, which is that the GFF should honour the agreed positions with the GFA, restore their voting rights and most importantly identify a date for national elections so new officer bearers can be elected to effectively carry out the mandate of the GFF – individuals who will uphold the integrity of the game and put the interest of the players and country first.
Yours faithfully,
Jermaine Figueira
UDFA Executive
