Declaring that the revelations prior the 65th FIFA Congress along with the sudden resignation of the re-elected Sepp Blatter has come as a shock, GFF Normalization Committee Chairman Clinton Urling said the events should be used as a reference point for the world body and all the member associations.
Addressing a gathering at the entity’s Headquarters during a press conference, Urling said that
the incident should be used as reference point for the GFF and FIFA on why to implement high ethical practices within.
According to Urling, clear guidelines and transparency at all levels of FIFA and member associations is required, declaring that the federation would like to witness all the recommendations made by the re-elected Blatter come to fruition.
He noted that football cannot survive under the cloud of suspicion and mistrust, noting that while football on the field will always survive, the proper administration of the discipline is also important to it’s growth.
Asked if he knows whether any official from Guyana will be investigated during the current scandal, Urling said that he does not know. He noted however that the United States of America Attorney General Loretta Lynch who is heading the investigation, allegedly stated that more arrests are expected.
Questioned if Guyana in any way was solicited for their vote by the two candidates, Urling emphatically said no, declaring that such an act is illegal. He further said that his decision to support Prince Ali following consultations with the normalization committee, was due to the fact they wanted FIFA to chart a different course amid the prevailing scenario.
Urling further declared that he believes Blatter nor the institution that is FIFA is corrupt, declaring however that his eventual re-appointment meant that the body will be judged in a negative light.
Also making an address to the gathering was committee’s newest member Eric Phillips who replaced Stewart May on the normalization committee, following the latter’s resignation due to his decision to migrate.
Phillips during a brief comment said that he is grateful for the opportunity to be apart of the team, declaring that he hopes to support the process in making Guyana more prominent in the sport on both a local and international platform.
May during a brief comment thanked the committee for affording him the chance to contribute to the support while wishing them all the best in the future as they strive to regularize the sport.
