GFF warns clubs, associations over participation in unsanctioned futsal tournament

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has warned regional associations and elite league clubs against participation in what it described as an “unsanctioned” futsal competition, following the emergence of the ongoing “Stars Among Stars” tournament being played in Georgetown.
In an internal memorandum dated May 15, 2026, and seen by Guyana Times Sports, GFF General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay informed football stakeholders that the federation had “taken note through various media reports” of the competition, in which players affiliated with Regional Associations and Elite League clubs were participating.

The memo, which was sent to “Presidents, Secretaries, Regional Associations, and Elite League Clubs”, stated that the federation had not approved the tournament.
“The GFF wishes to inform all Elite League Clubs and Regional Associations that the said competition has not been sanctioned by the federation. This is a clear violation of the GFF statutes and regulations with regard to the organisation of and participation in GFF-approved events, as futsal is an integral component of the sporting ecosystem established under the Federation,” the memorandum stated.
The federation further requested that all regional associations and elite league clubs “investigate and verify the participation of the players and staff in the event and take necessary action to ensure statutory and regulatory adherence with the federation.”
According to the memo, the federation maintained that the regulations governing the sport were designed to “protect its integrity” and ensure that “players, officials, coaches, administrators, fans, and spectators are safeguarded while matches are played in accordance with the laws of the game”.
“The GFF takes this matter very seriously and expects the full cooperation of all members in ensuring compliance with Federation regulations and maintaining the integrity of football activities under its jurisdiction,” the memorandum added.
The document was sent anonymously to Guyana Times Sports, and the issue has long been a touchy one, surrounding the federation’s position on grassroots futsal and street football competitions.
Several players participating in local futsal tournaments have voiced frustration over the lack of financial opportunities within the local football structure during the off-season. Many players explained that clubs across Georgetown and other parts of the country do not provide salaries outside of active league competition, leaving athletes dependent on independent tournaments and small-goal competitions as a source of income.
Meanwhile, a legal professional who spoke to this publication under the condition of anonymity questioned the federation’s interpretation of its statutes. According to the legal source, the statutes referenced in the memorandum governed the 2025 Elite League season specifically and may therefore be open to legal dispute regarding their applicability to the current situation.
Despite the GFF’s hard-line approach to the local competitions, sections of the football fraternity continue to dispute the GFF’s authority over the small-goal format, arguing that many community-based tournaments have traditionally operated independently of the federation’s direct control.