Dear Editor,
Tasked with the responsibility of developing, promoting and regularizing, the sport of football nationally, the Wayne Forde led administration, by virtue of not taking the bull by the horns, is allowing it to become a well-dressed vaquero, instead of a fearless matador. Suffice it to say that from all the indications, the continued weak public relations are doing more harm than good to the Federation’s image. There is the non-participation of GDF FC in the CONCACAF Club Shield, despite the army line-up receiving financial assistance from the Confederation. The Elite League’s defending champion’s no-show remains a serious breach of the competition’s rules, which is likely to carry a fine almost five times the amount of upfront finances it received. Furthermore, in the absence of a public press release from the army or the GFF, must the public await CONCACAF’s disclosure about its sanctions? This is a senior World Cup Finals year and most associations locally are struggling to have their domestic programme up and running. The sport’s image is taking a battering.
GDF’s suspension remains imminent; in the Elite League, its players are ineligible to represent Guyana nationally until such time as the fine is paid and the monies it received upfront reimbursed. Who was responsible for this national disgrace and embarrassment?
Editor, from my previous involvement as Secretary, Fruta Conquerors, which also participated in the then CFU Club Championship, earnings for players from prize monies won in various competitions were as follows: Winner-Players 70%, Club 30%; Runner-up-Players 75%; Club 25%; Third-Players 80%; Club 20%; Fourth-Players 85%; Club 15%. So since it is presumed that GDF FC players are all on the army payroll, are they entitled to a percentage of prize monies won? Further, with the army lineup earnings over a protracted period within the vicinity of $5M, prudent management of monies would have entailed the retention of a substantial amount, in lieu of participation in the CONCACAF Club Championship. With the plethora of former army officers who had served football’s interest in the past as administrators, both within the GFL and the then GFA, many of whom I had the distinction of working with at the Georgetown level, I vouch that under their watch these events wouldn’t have occurred.
Yours faithfully,
Lester Sealey
