CFU’s impending decision of withdrawing from CONCACAF

Dear Editor,
The likelihood of the Caribbean Football Union’s withdrawal from CONCACAF –the regional hemispheric body for football governance which is better known as the Confederation and is directly affiliated to FIFA, was further compounded with the resignation of former CONCACAF and CFU President, Mr Austin “Jack” Warner who was also a former FIFA Vice President.
Caribbean football with the largest bloc of votes (25) within the confederation, may never be able to recapture its glory once enjoyed under Warner. Trinidad and Tobago hosted the Under 17 Youth World Cup in 2001. Compounded by the Reggae Boyz participation in 1998 and T&T in 2006 – both at the senior level. Nevertheless, with USA, Mexico and Canada being the most powerful within CONCACAF, both economically and infrastructural. In relation to the USA, as a previous World Cup host in 1994, no new stadium had to be built, just upgraded. Surely, this accolade may well be the envy of FIFA’s affiliates with World Cup dominance, as a host. Additionally, there would be no need for major infrastructural upgrade either; that is, airports, road and rail networks along with accommodation. Canada, in this endeavour, would occupy the second spot with Mexico, a former two-time World Cup host, a distant third.
Meanwhile, at this crucial juncture in CFU history, after a period of 39 years in existence, parting ways from CONCACAF, founded in 1961 would more than likely have significant effects regionally, since an “Extraordinary meeting” of its affiliates would have to be convened first and foremost. Suffice it to say, additionally a comprehensive study would also have to be undertaken. The submission of a number of proposals would have to be submitted to FIFA, in pursuit of attaining Confederation Status, which can take quite a few years locally, depending upon how the GFF votes. Would there ever be true and meaningful development?
Taking into consideration the cost of internal travel locally, more so by air, which may well be the most expensive within the CFU! Waramadong, for example, cost the Kashif & Shangai organisation .7 million for the return trip, utilising two planes, boats and ATVs, in a school’s championship. What of other remote areas, but due to transportation costs can never under the given circumstances be shortlisted in a national squad. Then inter-regional travel i.e. Guyana, Cuba, Haiti, Martinique and Guadeloupe return? Would the Caricom Secretariat be approached too provide the relevant logistics? Are national teams exempt from paying Airport Departure Taxes within Caricom?
My point, if there was, then we don’t need assistance but what I do know, assistance is needed in all facets of the sport. With constitutionality, By-laws, laws, statutes, professional league, bi-annual regional championships; juniors and seniors for both male and female all within a calendar of activities; Editor, the reality of CFU becoming a confederation must be pursued at all costs. While not foregoing bargaining with FIFA for at least 1½ playoff spots in World Cups.

Respectfully yours,
Lester Sealey