The MVP prize of what was supposed to be a 14-karat gold and diamond ring, which was valued at $520,000, and eventually won by Guyana Defence Force’s Colin Nelson at the end of the 2021 GFF/Kashif and Shanghai Organization Super-16 Championship is said to be valued at less than $80,000.
This was disclosed by a source close to the GFF who spoke on the condition of anonymity. According to the source, the item, following an independent examination of its value, is estimated to be worth less than $80,000 and does not feature diamonds.
The source explained, “The ring was independently appraised earlier this year and its actual value is not $520,000 as was stated in the official release from the federation but less than $80,000. The appraisal occurred weeks prior in the month of January at a reputable gold establishment in Georgetown and the revelation was subsequently made known to both the GFF and the Kashif and Shanghai Organization. The ring is a meagre seven penny-weight with 14 karat purity”.
Tony Ally, owner of Tony’s Jewellery of Alexander Village during a brief comment yesterday stated that the ring, which is a seven pennyweight 14 carat item, was donated as a gift to the Kashif and Shanghai Organization for the tournament. According to Ali, he was contacted by the player who was enquiring about the actual value of the ring, but communicated to him that he will not be able to acquire the initially stated worth of the jewellery.
He further stated, “I did not specify the value of the ring, I just took it out of my glass case and gave it to them as a donation. I had no conversation with Kashif and Shanghai about the value of the ring. It is not in my possession. The store value and the street value are two different amounts but I never stated the value.”
According to the source, “This is nothing short of embarrassing. Why didn’t the GFF and the Kashif and Shanghai Organization have the ring independently appraised to confirm and ensure its value and authenticity? I would hate to think that they knowingly gave a ring that is worth far less than its stated value … to the MVP for such a prestigious tournament. Imagine as a player thinking you have a valuable piece of jewellery, which you worked hard to earn and then being told upon its examination that it is essentially worth nothing. Whatever the reason or case, it’s embarrassing and disrespectful. It does not look good for the image of the sport.”
Efforts to contact Nelson for a comment proved futile. Several calls to his cellular phone went unanswered up to press time.
Nelson won the ring following his exploits with GDF at the prestigious championship. He is one of the most decorated local players in the history of the Kashif and Shanghai Championship, as he has won four titles with four different teams which is an event record. Interestingly, each of his tournament triumphs was the maiden victory for every club in the competition.
“He is a leader on and off the pitch to many youngsters who admire him. He also is an aspiring coach and seen as one of the most intellectually savvy players that have ever touched the programme and for both organizations to disrespect him in this manner is very troubling and disturbing. The GFF is in possession of the ring for several weeks but it is unclear if the difference in value will be given to the player, as he worked hard to win the piece of jewellery at the tournament. The mere fact that they have not addressed the matter by paying the difference is quite telling”, a source further posited.
According to official correspondence from the federation, the presentation of the ring was made to GFF President Wayne Forde by company representative, Ashley Ally.
Forde upon receiving the ring, stated in the release, “This gesture by your company is really, really appreciated, and on behalf of the GFF and the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, I extend heartfelt thanks. I can almost feel the excitement moving up a few notches as players will be putting their hands up to claim this prize. The work of the adjudicators would certainly be cut out as we look forward to handing it over to a deserving player.”
Efforts to contact both GFF President Forde, and Kashif and Shanghai Co-Director Kashif Muhammad proved futile, as their respective cellular phones were turned off.
GFF General Secretary Ian Alves said, “Straight off I can tell you that Kashif and Shanghai would be able to answer because they presented the ring.” Alves did not confirm if the GFF is in possession of the ring.
However, Kashif and Shanghai Co-Director, Aubrey ‘Shanghai’ Major, stated that he was notified about the issues surrounding the authenticity of the item, noting that he was informed that the concerns were resolved and that the jeweller could provide information on the value of item which was discovered to be worth less than $80,000.
