Former Golden Jaguars manager, Mark Xavier confirmed yesterday that he along with Faizal Khan and Frank ‘English’ Parris were relieved of their management duties last week by the GFF Normalization Committee.
In the same breath, the long standing servant of Guyana’s flagship football team stated that he did his best during his tenure and holds no grudges following his termination which stemmed from the passport issues involving English quartet Matthew Briggs, Neil Danns, Sam Cox and Marcel Barrington.
During the start of the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers, the four overseas-born players were unable to travel due to their inability to acquire citizenship. They were subsequently granted citizenship but an investigation by FIFA looms.
Additionally, a player over the stipulated age was selected and traveled with the U23 team to Antigua and Barbuda for the Olympic Qualifiers.
A source told Stabroek Sport on Wednesday that, Xavier, Khan and Parris were written to by the General Secretary, Richard Groden and the Chairman of the Committee, Clinton Urling informing them of the decision to terminate their services.
“They weren’t happy about the passport situation, but that was no fault of ours” said Xavier yesterday. “We don’t control the speed of the process but they are the bosses, somebody has to take the blame.”
Xavier added “I don’t know about the other guys (Khan and Parris) but I accepted the blame and will move on, if tomorrow they ask for my help I will render my services, I hold no grudges.”
He maintained that “It’s not about me or Urling, it’s about my country and the game and the country is bigger than any individual. I did my best, I’m a football guy, I love the game and I will continue to help its development anywhere I can.” (Emmerson Campbell)
