FIFA recognises GFA Executive Body

by Michael Bascombe

October 23 2008 – Football’s world governing body, FIFA has endorsed the executive body of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) which was elected earlier this year, and in the process rejected a three-person committee which was attempting to govern local football.

In a letter sent to the President of the GFA, Ashley “Ram” Folkes from the Secretary General of FIFA, Jerome Valcke, FIFA reiterated its recognition of the Executive Committee, headed by Folkes.

A joint FIFA/CONCACAF delegation visited Grenada last month following attempts by the committee to proceed with a vote of no-confidence in the Executive. However, Mr Folkes described the moves as unconstitutional and refused to step down.

“The three-person committee is not recognized by FIFA and CONCACAF and should immediately cease and desist from representing to third parties that it is responsible for the governance of the GFA,” according to the letter which was also copied to FIFA Vice President and CONCACAF President Jack Warner.

“FIFA recognizes the Executive Committee elected on 26 April 2008 which was observed by external delegates,” it stated.

However, FIFA has requested that the GFA should convene an Extraordinary General Council “for the sole purpose of adopting the revised statutes as approved by FIFA”. This meeting, according to FIFA, should be held within the next 30-45 days.

FIFA also requests that the GFA convenes a second Extraordinary General Council also within the next 30-45 days and the agenda should include the items raised in the June 28^th petition.

FIFA together with CONCACAF will again mount a joint delegation to the Extraordinary Council Meetings.