The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has officially sanctioned the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation to host the National Futsal Championship, confirming that the application process adhered to all relevant regulations set by FIFA, Concacaf, and the GFF.
This decision was made after FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, clarified the GFF’s role in regulating football in Guyana.
Recent confusion arose due to comments made by K&S’s Co-Director Kashif Muhammad, suggesting that permission from the GFF was unnecessary because the teams involved were not affiliated with the GFF.
However, Mammadov’s correspondence emphasised that the GFF is responsible for organizing and supervising all forms of football in Guyana, and that teams must be affiliated to participate in sanctioned events.
The National Futsal Championship commenced in December and is scheduled to conclude on January 3 at the refurbished Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
Sixty-four teams are vying for a top prize of $2M.
SEE PRESS RELEASE FROM THE GUYANA FOOTBALL FEDERATION:
“The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is pleased to announce that the Kashif and Shanghai Organization has successfully completed its application for the staging of the National Futsal Championship.
This application process fully adhered to the regulations and statutes of FIFA, Concacaf, and the GFF. As a result, the tournament has been officially sanctioned, allowing all registered players and officials to participate.
The GFF assures the Kashif and Shanghai Organization of its full support and extends best wishes for a successful event. Recent press reports have caused confusion among members and stakeholders, prompting FIFA’s intervention to clarify the compliance obligations for third-party organizers of football events, programs, and competitions.
On November 15, 2024, FIFA’s Chief Member Associations Officer, Elkhan Mammadov, wrote to the GFF to emphasize the federation’s role in regulating football in Guyana.
Below is Mr. Mammadov’s correspondence: “In this respect, we would first like to state that, in view of article 11 Paragraph 1 of the FIFA Statutes, the GFF is responsible for organising and supervising football “in all of its forms in its country”.
Furthermore, based on article 64 paragraph 1 of the FIFA Statutes, we kindly point out that “Players and teams affiliated to member associations […] may not play matches or make sporting contacts with players or teams that are not affiliated to member associations […].”
Additionally, we make reference to article 2 paragraph 1 a) of the GFF Statutes which sets out, among the objectives of the GFF, the organisation of “competitions in association football, futsal and beach soccer at national level by defining precisely, as required, the areas of authority conceded to the various leagues of which it is composed”.
In this context, we would also like to emphasise that the Members of the GFF shall not “maintain any relation of a sporting nature with entities (e.g. clubs, Leagues) that are not Members or Affiliates [of the GFF]” (cf. art. 15 par. 1 i) of the GFF Statutes.
In view of all of the above, we therefore consider that the GFF is the entity recognised by FIFA in charge of regulating, organising and controlling all forms of football within its jurisdiction, that is, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana”.
The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) reaffirms its commitment to fostering an environment that encourages the participation of duly registered companies and organizations interested in organizing football tournaments and events. The GFF recognizes the value these private initiatives bring to the development and promotion of football across Guyana.
To ensure these events uphold the integrity of the sport, all tournaments and activities must be conducted in compliance with the regulations and statutes of FIFA, Concacaf, and the GFF. The GFF continues to offer guidance and oversight to third-party promoters, ensuring that competitions are:
- Free of manipulation or match-fixing: Protecting the fairness and credibility of the game.
- Safe for all participants: Ensuring adequate safety and security measures are in place for players, officials, and fans.
The GFF remains dedicated to supporting innovative and inclusive football initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency, and accountability.
We look forward to working with partners who share our vision for the growth and integrity of football in Guyana.”
