A crisis in football, but there could be a silver lining

[Karl]

A crisis in football, but there could be a silver lining


Saturday, October 15, 2011


THERE can be no question that FIFA’s six-month ban (three months suspended for two years) of president of the Jamaica Football Federation Captain Horace Burrell has the potential to seriously hamstrung Jamaica’s football.

Captain Burrell’s visionary leadership in the build-up to Jamaica’s qualification for the 1998 FIFA World Cup made him a national icon and at the administrative level he has been for many years the face of the nation’s football on the global stage.

The Captain’s suspension comes as the Jamaica senior team prepares once again to challenge for a place at the World Cup Finals — this time in Brazil come 2014. His renowned capacity to market football would have been heavily relied on by the JFF to help raise the many millions that will be needed to carry the qualification programme.

Inevitably, his image will now be tarnished, somewhat, even after the suspension period ends. Indeed, Captain Burrell, a leading businessman who takes great pride in his reputation, may even be tempted to walk away from the management of Jamaica’s football.

In such circumstances, it is imperative that the football fraternity pulls together to show a united and well-organised front. In that respect we have total confidence in the JFF’s First Vice-President Mr Dale Spencer, who Captain Burrell tells us will immediately assume responsibilities as Acting President.

This newspaper has always found Mr Spencer to be a thoughtful and dignified leader and we fully expect that his guidance — for whatever length of time — will be exemplary.

As readers will have recognised, the suspension of the Captain and other punitive actions taken against several officials of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) are the latest consequences of the fall from grace of the former allpowerful Mr Jack Warner.

Until his dramatic resignation in mid-year, because of allegations of corruption, the controversial Mr Warner was president of CONCACAF and the numerically powerful CFU, as well as a vicepresident of FIFA. Captain Burrell and others at administrative level in the CFU were Mr Warner’s closest allies.

Given the nature of politics, it is easy to surmise that Captain Burrell, who is now ineligible to contest the CFU presidential election scheduled for next month here in Jamaica, is paying the price for his proximity to the fallen king.

However, we dare not forget that all of this fallout is the result of very serious allegations that some federations within the 25-member CFU received substantial “bribes” from former FIFA presidential candidate Mr Mohamed bin Hammam.

We note that in his statement yesterday, Captain Burrell in explaining his decision not to appeal the ban makes the point that: “Even if some of the sanctions are very severe, I understand that FIFA needs to put an end to individual wrongdoing and bad practice if the evidence proves that individuals have engaged in reprehensible conduct.”

Hopefully, from all of this will emerge cleaner, more accountable and trustworthy leadership in football.



Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/edito...#ixzz1asWkGaAr

[Karl]

The fall out for Jamaica could be even greater as the executive positions held by Captain Burrell at the CONCACAF and FIFA levels are not certain to be filled by a Jamaican.

...and if those positions are filled by persons from other nations there is no guarantee Captain Burrell or Jamaica will be again elevated to those positions at the end of the Captain's suspension.

If those positions of influence are lost, Jamaica suffers.

[Karl]

Reactions - 'Very shocking' - Grange

Reactions - 'Very shocking' - Grange

Published: Saturday | October 15, 2011
Grange

Sports Minister Olivia Grange has expressed shock at the decision by FIFA's Ethics Committee to ban Jamaica Football Federation president, Captain Horace Burrell, for six months from football and its related activities.

Grange's reaction was communicated in a release to the media yesterday afternoon, after the penalty was handed down by the sport's world governing body, following investigations into the cash-for-vote scandal that preceded its recent presidential elections.

The minister's statement:
"I have just received word that the president of the Jamaica Football Federation has been banned by world football's governing body, FIFA, for a period of six months.

"This very shocking news for all of us. I certainly did not expect this outcome.

"While we are stunned and saddened by this development, we must move quickly to ensure that there is no fallout in our football programme. As always, I stand ready to give whatever assistance is necessary to ensure the continued development of football."

[Karl]

Reactions - Seaga 'experiencing mixed feelings'

Reactions - Seaga 'experiencing mixed feelings'

Published: Saturday | October 15, 2011


Seaga

Andre Lowe, Senior Staff Reporter

Chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association, Edward Seaga, has reacted with ambivalence to the news that Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, Captain Horace Burrell, has been hit with a six-month ban by FIFA's Ethics Committee, for his alleged role in the cash-for-vote scandal that rocked world football in the run-up to the FIFA presidential elections.

While he believes that the rulings, which also sees JFF general secretary, Horace Reid, receiving a warning from football's regulators, will ultimately aid in the fight against corruption in the sport, Seaga, a former prime minister of Jamaica, takes no pleasure in the fact that the island's highest football officials have been embroiled in the controversy.

"I am experiencing mixed feelings," said Seaga, who months ago called on Burrell to "come clean" on any involvement in the bribery scandal, which has claimed the football careers of former CONCACAF and Caribbean Football Union (CFU) president, Austin 'Jack' Warner, and former FIFA presidential hopeful, Mohamed bin Hammam.

Bin Hammam is accused of handing out US$40,000 to Caribbean officials at a meeting in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in May.



"We cannot be happy that the highest official in Jamaican football has been sanctioned by the FIFA Ethics Committee, especially after the records show that he had stated that he was not involved in any of the wrongdoing," said Seaga, before noting that the ruling will allow for an opportunity for different leadership and bring us closer to an end of corruption.

"... But the FIFA Committee's actions will help to stop the corruption that exists in the Caribbean and for that, we are grateful," Seaga said. "I think the proceedings of the Ethics Committee have given us a second chance to create an institution here that we can all be proud of.

"I regret that Captain Horace Burrell has had to be sanctioned, but justice is important," Seaga added.

"This will cause a lot of rethinking in both organisations as to how we move forward in leadership and hopefully the lesson will be learned that we must be careful in our selection of those who lead football," Seaga pointed out.

[Karl]

'Regrettable but sensible'

'Regrettable but sensible'



PREMIER League Clubs Association (PLCA) president Edward Seaga branded FIFA's six-month ban on Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss Captain Horace Burrell as "a regrettable but sensible move" as the world governing body continued its axe-wielding throughout the Caribbean region. Burrell, who was nominated for the ...more


Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport/#ixzz1ashkgGet

[Karl]

Second VP Gaynor shocked at Burrell's ban

Second VP Gaynor shocked at Burrell's ban

BY PAUL A REID Observer writer
Saturday, October 15, 2011

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Bruce Gaynor, the second vice-president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has expressed surprise at yesterday's six-month ban of JFF president Captain Horace Burrell handed down by FIFA.

Burrell was one of several Caribbean Football Union (CFU) executives that were suspended for between 30 days and 18 months for their roles in the ongoing bribery investigation.

FIFA says three months of Burrell's ban from all football duties will be deferred for a probationary period of two years.

As acting president of CFU, however, Burrell was the highest profiled executive but has always maintained his and the JFF's innocence in the scandal that had wrecked regional football for several months.

FIFA's move came days after audio from an amateur video highlighted former CFU and CONCACAF president Jack Warner of Trinidad offering advice to CFU delegates about taking the bribe from former FIFA presidential hopeful Mohamed bin Hammam at a meeting held in Trinidad in May.

When contacted yesterday, Gaynor who was a part of the JFF delegation to the meeting where the US$40,000 payments were offered, appeared not be certain of the next step.

"We just got the news," he told the Observer and said while he was certain that a meeting would be called to sort out the local administration, said he had not been contacted up to then.

Gaynor admitted the news came as a shock. "I was not aware that Captain was under any investigations, so of course this news is a surprise," he told the Observer.

Under the JFF constitution, first vice-president Dale Spencer would take over the running of the JFF until Burrell's ban is lifted.



Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sport...#ixzz1asihE7W1

[Jangle]

Question to the board: Do you think that Seaga is angling for a run at the JFF presidency? He has not been one of Burrell's supporters over the years. Regardless, I think he would do a good job at the helm.

[Karl]

Could be a good interim presi!

[Pbanta]

Could be a good interim presi!

You maybe very right Karl, but how would that happen with Dale Spencer (he played for me many years ago at MC) taking command? Would the JFF present board chose him?

[Karl]

It could very well happen.
It would not be a stretch to state that Dale is to Tony James...what Horace Reid is to Horace Burrell.

Tony looks a shoo-in to be the new CFU President.

Let us look at the external matters first: As I see it, Paul - There are 2 main series of actions to be taken that shall lead to retaining our presence in CONCACAF and FIFA.

a) The mindset of Tony to represent us well and the steps taken to do same; b) The CFU nations sitting down and then putting foot forward as ONE!

The votes we have if held together as under "Jack" will allow for retaining our strong influences.

BTW - Once CFU and CONCACAF replacements for Burrell are in place at the CONCACAF and FIFA levels, it would be much harder...near impossible for Captain Burrell to be re-introduced in his former held positions...indeed in any position at FIFA.

...as far as CONCACAF is concerned it depends on what Jamaica does about reinstating him or no...that will decide if he returns to any position in CONCACAF's administration.

Where CFU is concerned again any return by the Captain depends on how he is treated in Jamaica...added to what the new appointees at the CFU thinking is on "cleaning house".

Second: On the local Jamaica level - This fall out from the ban has me worried about the local National Teams' programme - i.e. World Cup 2014, the Women programme and the age-group teams...and not to be forgotten the funds the Captain ploughs into our parish and the other programs below.

...will the Captain and his company be barred as per FIFA's ruling that the Captain not be involved any way with football. Would funding say, of Parish FAs' Leagues be not acceptable?

Will "The Captain's Bakery" be considered by FIFA to be an entity that would be allowed to fund football activities? ...viewed as the Captain himself having no overriding interest and thus his company is outside the FIFA ruling? ...his company a living entity in its own right?

...or will the Captain make a personal decision to pull his funding?

Additionally there is this, with the Captain out, who is there best to 'sell' or who can fill he void immediately to 'sell' our programs to the Private Sector and the Jamaican people? Will investments flow in or will even the 'paupacy' of inflows dry up?

Will the type matches we desperately need continue to be had?

[Pbanta]

Thanks

It could very well happen.
It would not be a stretch to state that Dale is to Tony James...what Horace Reid is to Horace Burrell.

Tony looks a shoo-in to be the new CFU President.

Let us look at the external matters first: As I see it, Paul - There are 2 main series of actions to be taken that shall lead to retaining our presence in CONCACAF and FIFA.

a) The mindset of Tony to represent us well and the steps taken to do same; b) The CFU nations sitting down and then putting foot forward as ONE!

The votes we have if held together as under "Jack" will allow for retaining our strong influences.

BTW - Once CFU and CONCACAF replacements for Burrell are in place at the CONCACAF and FIFA levels, it would be much harder...near impossible for Captain Burrell to be re-introduced in his former held positions...indeed in any position at FIFA.

...as far as CONCACAF is concerned it depends on what Jamaica does about reinstating him or no...that will decide if he returns to any position in CONCACAF's administration.

Where CFU is concerned again any return by the Captain depends on how he is treated in Jamaica...added to what the new appointees at the CFU thinking is on "cleaning house".

Second: On the local Jamaica level - This fall out from the ban has me worried about the local National Teams' programme - i.e. World Cup 2014, the Women programme and the age-group teams...and not to be forgotten the funds the Captain ploughs into our parish and the other programs below.

...will the Captain and his company be barred as per FIFA's ruling that the Captain not be involved any way with football. Would funding say, of Parish FAs' Leagues be not acceptable?

Will "The Captain's Bakery" be considered by FIFA to be an entity that would be allowed to fund football activities? ...viewed as the Captain himself having no overriding interest and thus his company is outside the FIFA ruling? ...his company a living entity in its own right?

...or will the Captain make a personal decision to pull his funding?

Additionally there is this, with the Captain out, who is there best to 'sell' or who can fill he void immediately to 'sell' our programs to the Private Sector and the Jamaican people? Will investments flow in or will even the 'paupacy' of inflows dry up?

Will the type matches we desperately need continue to be had?

Thanks Karl

[Mosiah]

In such circumstances, it is imperative that the football fraternity pulls together to show a united and well-organised front. In that respect we have total confidence in the JFF’s First Vice-President Mr Dale Spencer, who Captain Burrell tells us will immediately assume responsibilities as Acting President.

This newspaper has always found Mr Spencer to be a thoughtful and dignified leader and we fully expect that his guidance — for whatever length of time — will be exemplary.

Dale went to a good school. I endorse his acting assignment. Maybe he should just...why, look at the time!

[Karl]

Tony and Dale are good men.
Tony is a JC man...but I have always heard rumours that he also spent time at MC. Never asked...wonder if that is true???

[Pbanta]

Yes it's true

Tony and Dale are good men.
Tony is a JC man...but I have always heard rumours that he also spent time at MC. Never asked...wonder if that is true???

In 1977 I arrived at MC to coach (remember BB). Tony was one of the first Jamaicas to contact me and help the porgram where he had attended school. This was from him. I was not aware of JC, but that a good school too!!!!!!!!!!

He needs to be back in football leadership and he is ready to move forward differently and with an interesting trust in the Father.