Adrian Giddings, Secretary of West Demerara Football Association (WDFA), is of the opinion that the clubs failed to take advantage of the Guyana Football Federation transfer window.
“The transfer period probably made sense but the clubs in my association didn’t take advantage of it. I wouldn’t say they had better things to focus on, I think people are a bit more relaxed and focused on covid-19 because football is not playing. Probably when football resumes, then players might regret not moving. I don’t see anyone moving in the next window even if football doesn’t play.”
Giddings made the comments to Stabroek Sport in the backdrop of there being no player transfers in his jurisdiction during the recent GFF 2020/2021 Pre-Season Transfer Window.
Giddings also blamed the Covid-19 pandemic for the non-movement of some players.
In an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport, Giddings said that the current covid-19 pandemic has definitely captured the attention of the football playing populace and probably forced the players to remain with their respective teams.
He suggested that the uncertainty surrounding football’s eventual return, probably also influenced the players’ respective decisions to remain at their current clubs.
“Most definitely the current situation had an effect on what went on during the transfer window. Nobody hasn’t moved, no one has moved. Honestly, people are probably taken up with Covid-19 and are not looking at football, which is my assumption. I find that strange that there was no movement of players. I think people just focus on the Covid-19 and don’t know when football will play and just didn’t focus on the transfer window,” he said.
According to Giddings, while the extension and the overall staging of the transfer period should be commended despite the Covid-19 situation, ultimately the players within the WDFA jurisdiction might regret not utilizing the opportunity to move to their intended destinations. Giddings added that players might also opt against moving during the next transfer, as the resumption of football seems unlikely for the foreseeable future owing to the present climate.
Giddings stated that the lack of movement and transfers within the jurisdiction, provided a very quiet period for his association.
“We didn’t have nothing, had a very easy month for the association,” he added.
The GFF 2020/2021 Pre-Season Transfer Window officially concluded August 23rd. The original transfer period occurred from June 1st-July 31st. The window was extended in an effort to facilitate the smooth transfer of local players between during the covid-19 pandemic.
The decision to extend the transfer period which was endorsed by FIFA Director of Football Regulatory James Kitching, was established following deliberations with its regional member associations, affiliates and elite league clubs.
