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By Alieu Ceesay
The Presidents of the Regional Football Associations (RFAs) of the Upper River Region, West Coast Region, Lower River Region, North Bank Region and Central River Region have in the strongest terms rubbished the allegations made by some concerned stakeholders few weeks ago that the regional football elections were neither free nor fair.
Two weeks ago, a group of people who claimed to be concerned stakeholders of football convened a press conference to express their dissatisfaction in the way football is being run under the leadership of Lamin Kaba Bajo even though the Senior Scorpions have never qualified to a major Africa Cup of Nation.
The stakeholders accused the GFF executive of financial mismanagement and also for being responsible for the poor performance of the Scorpions. They went on alleging that the regional football elections were not conducted in line with the dictates of their Constitution.
The Regional Football Associations are very powerful in determining who leads the football federation with all the presidents of the regional associations also forming part of the GFF Executive Committee.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday afternoon at the Football House in Kanifing, Numukunda Kanyi, president of CRR Football Association highlighted the developments brought to the regions by the Kaba Bajo-led executive.
“We have fully equipped regional football associations offices funded by the GFF. There were trainings for referees, coaches, administrators and medics. Regional coaches were also appointed and the regional leagues are funded by the GFF.
The league in CRR is ongoing but on halt to give districts the chance to play their nawettans.” He added that the Bansang football field has been fenced courtesy of the GFF, which is helping the committee to raise funds to implement other projects.
Mba as he is fondly called said all the allegations made by the stakeholders regarding regional associations election are unfounded and baseless.
Abdou Karim Sey, President of West Coast Region FA; Furumus Gomez, President of URR FA; Abdou Khan, President of NBR FA; and Ansumana Sanneh, President of LRR FA, all corroborated Kanyi’s statement. They used the conference to clarify different issues relating to their different associations.
Ansumana Sanneh of LRR FA categorically made it clear that there was no official from the GFF who voted in LRR FA election contrary to what the stakeholders claim.
“Baboucarr Camara of GFF was only identified to serve in the electoral board by the delegates at the congress.”
Furmus Gomez of URR explained that Angal Futa Football Team of Basse was excluded from taking part in the URR Congress because the team was under suspension due to unruly behavior in one football match.
“How can a team which is under suspension take part in a congress?” He queried.
