Dear Editor,
Mr Colin Klass, former president, Guyana Football Federation (GFF) had assumed the presidency of the then Guyana Football Association (GFA) following the 1987 fiasco, when a number of players absconded from the senior national team. The entire executive had had to resign after the Commission of Enquiry had presented it findings. Needless to say, the Klass-led administration prior to assuming office, knew upfront of a debt. As such the Finance Committee immediately went to work, exploring various fund-raising ventures towards debt liquidation. The first of these was a fund-raising dinner, costing a $1,000 a plate at the Pegasus Hotel. While it was a resounding success, what was needed was aims and objectives to propel the sport forward, encompassing total development in the areas of administration, coaching and refereeing.
Meanwhile as time progressed various courses, seminars and workshops were held under the auspices of CFU, CONCACAF, FIFA and the GOA. Fast forward to 2014 and what situation obtains? A debt of $30,000,000. Editor, the official must have known that fundraising ventures along with cost-cutting measures had to be front-burner issues. But the debt has grown, with stipends being increased by a whopping 300%!
What is most amazing is that a committee member, who used to frequent the Secretariat on a daily basis, has since ceased to do so, because of a cash-strapped situation and the non-payment of travelling allowances, occasional accommodation and meal allowances. Could this be construed as the plundering of scarce financial resources? Within the statutes of FIFA, is it permissible to have a national federation executive functioning with just two individuals? Definitely not! There is the non-disclosure of a corruption report on voting in relation to the World Cup awards, and FIFA’s top brass in its infinite wisdom will be forced to act at some point in respect of the GFF’s situation. Suffice it to say that insularity still exists within the CFU and CONCACAF, with their prolonged silence and no pronouncements. Employees are being paid late constantly, along with half-month salaries in some instances. It would be interesting to know if monthly stipends are still being paid. Is all well financially with the GFF?
Yours faithfully,
Lester Sealey
