Declaring that the partnership will create an avenue for the financial growth of the institution, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Normalization Committee has disclosed a possible prototype version of their goalkeeper kit from recently inked suppliers Admiral.
The Normalization Committee on May 9th officially announced their partnership with the English brand who will provide the team kits for all the national teams.
This major disclosure occurred following the declaration of another partnership with the Eccles /Ramsberg Neighborhood Democratic Council (NDC) for the 30 year leasing of the Providence Community Centre Ground.
Prior, the GFF under the Colin Klass administration in 2011 had signed a four year deal with American sport company Plus One Fashion (+One) at approximately US$350,000 annually in value. Under the Christopher Matthias administration, the GFF in 2014 had signed a deal with Forward Sports International Incorporated for approximately four years.
Speaking exclusively to Stabroek Sports, Chairman of the Normalization Committee Clinton Urling said “The Admiral deal provides the GFF with many income-generating opportunities, including the GFF being the Sole distributor for Admiral Products in Guyana; a financial commission for every merchandise sole; bonus commissions for a minimum quota sold and an annual allowance/donation in merchandise worth over three million Guyana Dollars”.
Asked if the deal was discussed with the GFF affiliates prior to its signing, Urling said “The Normalization Committee assumes the roles of an Executive Committee (EC) of the GFF. The EC makes strategic decisions for GFF for the period it is in office between General Council meetings (which are called annually or for emergencies)”.
According to Urling “The EC has a responsibility to update the members on developments and activities and from time to time the EC would consult members if necessary. We have since informed our members on the partnership with Admiral and the leasing of the Providence Community Centre Ground”.
He further said “We received one other proposal (I would not disclose the name); but after reviewing both proposals the Admiral one was selected by all the NC members”.
Asked why Providence was chosen for the leasing of the land and if any other locales were considered prior to the decision, he said “All locations across the country were considered and are still being considered. We still hope to sign a lease with the Ministry of Sports for the land behind the new Athletic Centre. We will continue discussions with the new government in this regard”.
According to Urling “Additionally, we have reached out to our Members Associations and Clubs across the country indicating that if they can enter into leases or user agreements with the GFF for land under their control, FIFA would provide funding for upgrade of infrastructure”.
“There was no “shortlisting” for Providence. The NDC was eager to move forward with an agreement, instead of leaving the land unused and undeveloped, and they agreed to enter into a lease” he added.
