The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) approved their 2016 financial statements of $89,881,316 when they held an Extraordinary Congress on Saturday at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue.
With the approval, President Wayne Forde contended that the country is now “closer to full funding” from the world governing body, FIFA.
In 2016, Guyana had received a boost from FIFA which saw US$250,000 moved to US$500,000 of annual subvention towards the administration of football.
“The vote on the financial statement takes us one step closer to full restoration of funding from FIFA,” Forde stated.
The Executive Members of the Guyana Football Federation after the Extraordinary Congress on Saturday at the National Racquet Centre
He added, “We had 18 members attending congress and on the issue of GFF financial statements and audited accounts we had 17 members voting to approve and one abstaining.”
Just days ago, it was reported in another section of the media, that the GFF based on the audit report presented by Chartered Accountants, Professional Services Firm, Ram and McRae, there were funds in excess of $45 million unaccounted.
However, the GFF boss vehemently dispelled the notion on the basis that it was a financially technicality which was not adequately reported.
“Absolutely no monies of the Guyana Football Federation is missing, stolen or has been embezzled by anyone including staff and Executive Committee,” he stressed.
He added, “the technical language that is used in an audit report is one that should be evaluated by people that possess the requisite competence to write adequately on these matters.”
“The audit process is one where the auditors in their examination of one of the payables, they reached out to suppliers based on amounts that were on our books. We have all the invoices and everything that represents our total liability which is around 89 million and they reached out to our suppliers to verify and many did not respond and those that did respond indicated variances and is with that the qualification was made,” Forde explained.
The Congress also saw the approval of a 165 million budget which Forde themed as being ‘robust’ as they seek to develop the sport in 2018.
“Every item on the agenda was passed unanimously we dealt with some heavy item and members responded very positively regarding the development of football”.
Among the items high on the agenda were the purchasing of vehicles to assist the technical staff and the development of three grounds.
Each of the grounds will come from in Bartica, Georgetown and Rupununi and will see a tune of nine and half million dollars be spent per ground.
Additionally, the Federation plans rent offices for member associations and fully fund their staff with an increase in stipend from $50,000 to $100,000.
