Secretary of the Georgetown Football Association Lomell Johnson has criticized the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) for their decision to commence its Elite League Cup today the same day of the entity’s final league match day. In a sent to GFF General Secretary Ian Alves dated Octctober 11th, Johnson stated,
“It was brought to the attention of our association via social media that the federation has a tournament commencing on the same date in Georgetown. This decision has put us in a position where we will have to compete with your tournament to gain some much-needed gate receipts. It is the conclusion of our members that the federation’s action shows gross disrespect to our league, which is fully supported by the same federation.”
He added, “These situations can be easily avoided by having more consultations between the federation and our association. We take this opportunity to remind you that during the hosting of the Elite League 2023, the associations are not allowed to play any games on the playing dates of the league, and we fully adhered to that order. In the eyes of the football fraternity, we believe a negative image is being portrayed by the federation’s actions. We are asking that good sense prevail and the commencement of your tournament be postponed or shifted to another jurisdiction.”
Efforts to contact GFF General Secretary Ian Alves for a comment proved futile. Several calls to his cell phone went unanswered up to press time.
The GFF/KFC Elite League Cup, which was launched on Wednesday, is expected to commence today at the Eve Leary ground with a double-header.
The event, which will last for six weeks, will feature an initial group stage comprising two groups of five. Group A contains Guyana Defense Force, Santos, Buxton United, Fruta Conquerors, and Milerock. On the other hand, Group B consists of the Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, and Ann’s Grove.
Victoria Kings will battle Ann’s Grove in the opening match at 18:00 hrs, while the Guyana Police Force will take aim at Den Amstel at 20:00 hrs.
Meanwhile, the GFA Senior League is also scheduled to conclude today at the Georgetown Football Club ground in Bourda with a triple-header.
At 16:00 hrs, Vengy will oppose Pele FC, while at 18:00 hrs, Black Pearl will lock horns with Order and Discipline. In the final match, the Beacons will tackle the Riddim Squad at 20:00 hrs.
