Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President, Wayne Forde has affirmed they still willing to conduct a thorough investigation into the infamous Guyana Jaguars’ World Cup 2014 Qualifier against Mexico in 2014.
Jaguars and Mexico were set to clash at the National Stadium, Providence but the Federation sold the hosting rights for the game, which was then moved to the BBVA Compass Stadium in Texas.
Forde cautioned that speedy steps will not be taken to unearth wrongdoings if any as to avoid bringing the ‘new findings’ into dispute.
The stardom quality of Javier Hernández commonly called Chicharito, could have made an entrance at the National Stadium Providence had it not been for the ‘switch’
“We have been engaging the level of CONCACAF to move the process forward. Our goal is to bring closure and not to do an investigation that opens up another investigation and if there is anyone that needs to be exonerated they must and if there is anyone is culpable then that report must produce that,” Forde explained at the federations’ Extraordinary Congress on Saturday which was held at the National Racquet Centre, Georgetown.
At the Ordinary Congress in May, a mandate was made by members for an investigation to be conducted by an Independent body in the issue. Forde had stated that they would have started the investigation within fourteen days of May 27 but when questioned on Saturday with regards to the process he explained they are still seeking help from their parent body.
“We reached out to our parent body within in the confederation for a certain level of support because what is important to us is that we don’t simply conduct an investigation for the sake of checking it off to say we have because they have reputations at stake in this process to ensure there is the level of care and attention and due diligence that is required.”
He added, “Ultimately it will require money to get the investigation done since we have to get the proper people with the right competence to do a proper investigation. To just hastily put together a committee with individuals that cannot commit time and resources that is required to really get to the bottom of this matter.”
Former acting President of the GFF, Franklin Wilson, who had taken up the mantle from the embattled Collin Class, was at the helm of the fiasco.
In a statement after the mandate was made public he stated, “all the relevant information pertaining to the match is in possession of the Federation.”
Former National Captain Christopher Nurse had told Guyana Times Sport he was hopeful that the matter would be addressed.
According to Nurse, prior to the match, Wilson, had signed an agreement with the players concerning their remuneration packages due to the switch in venue, after he was previously ignoring them.
Nurse revealed. He further disclosed: “It’s common courtesy for the team to be notified how much the game was sold for and how much the GFF received. Out of that (amount), the players are due 12 per cent. One crucial instance took place and it [was] announced to the national team [that) US$75,000 was received. However, only US$45,000 was deposited into the GFF account, and the players were never compensated as per the agreement.”
Back in 2012, Wilson had deemed moving the match as being “in the best interest of football,” since “the revenue will be used to pay off outstanding debts and other expenses the Golden Jaguars have incurred”.
It is understood that the Federation would have reaped approximately US$2 million (GY$400 million) in profits. However, no documentation was provided to substantiate these claims.
