Our doors are always open to have dialogue – Matthias

Jun 07, 2014 Sports

“Our doors are always open to have dialogue,” were the comforting words of President of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), Christopher Matthias to the disgruntled members whose no-confidence motion against him failed to gain recognition by the world governing body for the sport after FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke dispatched a letter to that effect on Thursday to the

President of the GFF Christopher Matthias and Acting General Secretary Abiola Howard seen at yesterday’s Press Briefing.

Guyana Football Federation.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday in the Boardroom of the GFF Head Office in Section ‘K’, Campbellville, Matthias issued an invitation to the rebels and all Guyanese interested in seeing the development of the sport continue to link with the Federation to pool their efforts and resources and work in the best interest of the sport.
He, however, was quick to remind the deserters that the development of the sport will not wait on them, but rather the team of hard working officials will forge ahead with its development.
“We at the GFF have forgiven you [aggrieved members] for the measures of lies which you would have told to this nation, and let me assure you that if our efforts are directed as regards the development of football our nation would be a better place in which to live,” he said.
Matthias, whose short tenure in office has been plagued by distractions and open rebellion has been able to survive all the challenges to his rein and told this newspaper that he is determined to stick to the promises made during the historic staging of the General Congress in 2013, while also adhering to the mandates prescribed by FIFA / CONCACAF.
“We have been reaching out to them. On May 12 we invited them to a meeting in this very room. They are the ones with the issues and they have not adopted a posture which indicates that they are interested in resolving any issue whatsoever. In fact, we cannot forget that a motion was moved against the president and an executive member and no reason was given in that motion. To date we don’t know the reason or reasons for the motion of no-confidence,” Matthias noted.
Remaining resolute in his pursuit of football development, Matthias also used the opportunity to restate his purpose as head of the GFF.
“My mandate is clear which is to develop, improve, promote, regulate and control and there’s no condition attached to that if there are two or three persons or five persons who are uncomfortable or disgruntled as regards you fulfilling your objectives,” Matthias reminded.
Matthias was also joined by Acting General Secretary Abiola Howard at yesterday’s briefing.