Following months of silence, the Guyana Football Federation [GFF] has finally confirmed that investigations have been ongoing into the allegation of improper conduct against Keith O’Jeer and the switched FIFA 2014 World Cup Qualifier against Mexico.
According to a release from the federation, “An independent investigator has conducted and completed a preliminary inquiry into the [Keith O’Jeer] allegation. A report was submitted to the GFF, which will be submitted to the Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee will review and pronounce on the matter.”
O’Jeer, who also holds the portfolio of Berbice Football Association (GFA) President, was suspended by the federation for alleged inappropriate conduct during the month of April 2018.
Although details surrounding what led to O’Jeer’s suspension have not been revealed by the federation to date, it was disclosed by sources that the incident in question was brought to light by a prominent member of the football fraternity.
Despite being suspended, O’Jeer was in attendance inside the VIP section at Guyana’s CONCACAF Nations League opening fixture against Barbados on September 6th at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
The release did not disclose the name of the independent investigator. GFF President Wayne Forde has also refused to name the individual despite several queries, citing possible legal ramifications.
O’Jeer is the second high-ranking member of the GFF to be investigated for inappropriate behaviour.
On February 2nd 2018, 17 male and female referees signed a three-page letter, calling for the removal of GFF Head of Referee Department Stanley Lancaster, citing unprofessionalism amongst other issues. Presently, a Commission of Inquiry (COI) is underway in the matter, which is expected to conclude at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, the correspondence further disclosed that the investigation into the switched FIFA World Cup qualifier against Mexico is currently being presided over by a solitary consultant.
The release divulged, “An ongoing investigation is being conducted by a consultant who is scheduled to provide a fact-finding dossier including any future action which will be required. To date, several persons have been interviewed and financial documents submitted including GFF’s audit reports, reflecting transactions processed during the period under investigation.”
Once again, the release did not disclose the names of the individuals that were interviewed, nor/or the name of the consultant tasked with overseeing the process.
The highly anticipated fixture which was slated to occur on local soil during 2012 at the National Stadium, Providence on October 12th, was controversially switched by the federation to Houston, Texas, USA.
It was initially mooted to be staged at the University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix, Arizona, prior to its ultimate venue. Current East Bank Football Association [EBFA] Boss Franklyn Wilson was the acting GFF President who signed off on the controversial switch, which allegedly garnered the federation less than US$90,000. “This is a very thorough process and the Executive Committee is facilitating the process in a very methodical manner to ensure accuracy and finality”, the document concluded.
