– attempt denied by CONCACAF
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) attempted to switch the return leg of their CONACAF Gold Cup Play-In fixture against Barbados, which is slated for November 19th, to the ‘Land of the Flying Fish’.
This was disclosed by a source close to the GFF, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
According to the source, “The GFF had requested for the Barbados Football Association to stage both legs. They had sent a request to the Barbadians and enquired if they could host both matches. However, CONCACAF enquired about the reason for Guyana’s sudden request given that two matches were recently staged at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora. However, no plausible reason was provided, and that request was denied by the regional body. The GFF, in CONCACAF’s estimation, had no legitimate reasons for wanting Barbados to host both matches since games have been held in Guyana.”
The source further said, “Apparently the reasons for the GFF wanting to switch the venue of the encounter stem from a misunderstanding between venue officials and the federation over the logistical arrangement during the Suriname and Guyana fixture.”
Efforts to contact GFF Wayne Forde proved futile. A message via the digital platform WhatsApp, which was shown as delivered, was sent to his cellular phone. The GFF President was asked, “Were any avenues explored with regard to switching the reverse fixture to Barbados?” Up to press time, this publication received no response.
Guyana is slated to face off against Barbados in a home and away series as part of the CONCACAF Play-In tournament for a place in the Gold Cup Prelims. Guyana will travel to Barbados for the first leg on November 15th, before hosting the return fixture four days later at the National Track and Field Centre, Leonora.
