TT men’s senior football coach Terry Fenwick said the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) claim that in a FIFA World Cup qualifier TT fielded an ineligible player in Andre Boucaud has “nothing to do with us.”
The GFF has sent an official protest to FIFA regarding the selection of TT midfielder Boucaud for the qualifier between TT and Guyana on March 25 in the Dominican Republic. Boucaud, 36, has almost 50 caps for TT after making his debut in 2004.
The letter dated April 23 said, “The GFF believes Boucaud was ineligible for selection as a registered intermediary and, as such, any points secured by TT during any related FIFA World Cup qualification matches should be forfeited.”
Boucaud did not play in TT’s 3-0 win over Guyana but came on as a substitute against Puerto Rico three days later in a 1-1 draw. TT, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Bahamas and St Kitts and Nevis are in Group F in FIFA Concacaf World Cup qualifying. TT are two points behind leaders St Kitts and Nevis with four points.
“Boucaud, who was registered as an intermediary with the English Football Association at the time, was selected in TT’s match day squad,” the letter said.
“Under FIFA rules, all conflicts of interest with intermediaries or agents must be avoided. Intermediaries cannot have any contractual relationship with a national football association. Under English Football Association rules, players cannot be registered intermediaries.”
In a brief interview with Newsday, Fenwick said, “It’s nothing to do with us. It is all English rules and regulations, nothing to do with TT, Concacaf or FIFA.”
According to the release the GFF did its research and also took legal advice. “Following an extensive investigation and careful consultation with its legal team, the GFF has sent its written evidence to FIFA and urged the global governing body of football to consider its case.”
GFF president Wayne Forde said, “We have taken this matter very seriously and have presented our findings to FIFA that this individual was ineligible to play for TT as a registered intermediary with the English FA. It is vital for the integrity and fairness of the game that the rules are respected and upheld by everyone. We look forward to FIFA’s response in due course.”
Newsday tried to call and WhatsApp Forde and FIFA-appointed normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad but attempts proved futile. (Trinidad Newsday)
