Following significant amendments to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Forward Project for 2019-2022 cycle, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) is projected to receive an investment of US$6,000,000 during the four-year period.
This was disclosed on the entity’s official website. According to the official release, the amendments come in the form of FIFA Forward 1.0 and 2.0, both of which have their own designated roles and functions and were enacted to further aid in the development of the respective member associations.
The release revealed, “The most prominent Forward 2.0 amendments for the 2019-2022 cycle are as follows: A. Financial entitlements: (1) An investment of USD 6,000,000 per member association for the four-year cycle to support operational needs and development projects whilst an additional USD 1,000,000 is allocated to those member associations with an annual revenue of USD 4 million or less in order to support their travel and equipment needs.”
Efforts to contact GFF General Secretary Ian Alves for a comment proved futile. Calls to his cellular phone went unanswered up to press time.
The correspondence further revealed that funding will be released twice annually in January and February respectively and will cover specific areas inclusive of operations costs, administration, referee programmes and competitions.
The release disclosed, “(A) Up to USD 1,000,000 per year for operational/running costs: (i) USD 500,000 released in January each year for day-to-day activities, administration and running costs. (ii) Up to USD 500,000 paid in July each year, provided that the member association fulfils up to ten specific activities during the year (USD 50,000 per activity). These activities include: (1) Organising men’s, women’s and youth competitions (two age groups for both girls and boys) – each competition should involve at least ten clubs for at least 90 matches and for at least six months each year; (2) Having active men’s, women’s and youth national teams – each one participating in at least four matches per year; (3) Having a functioning and regularly updated IT player registration and competition management system (provided free of charge by FIFA if needed); and (4) Having men’s and women’s refereeing programmes.”
According to the correspondence, “(B) USD 2,000,000 over the period of the whole 2019-2022 cycle for projects (is) tailored according to the member association’s approved contract of agreed objectives, and in particular relating to football infrastructure (e.g. pitches, technical centers, training grounds, stadiums and headquarters) (i) Projects may include other development areas provided that the member association has at least one stadium/pitch allowing international matches to be played, suitable association headquarters, and a functioning technical centre.”
The release further divulged, (C) Up to USD 200,000 per year for travel and accommodation, and up to USD 200,000 per four-year cycle for football equipment for those member associations needing the most assistance is available: (1) A member association is identified as needing the most assistance provided that its annual revenue does not exceed USD 4 million (reflected in the annual statutory audit report of the previous year and submitted to FIFA by 30 June each year). (2) Up to USD 1,000,000 for zonal/regional associations will be released to the respective confederations in January of each year provided that the zonal/regional association is recognised by the confederation and organizes at least one women’s, two boys’ and two girls’ competitions (for national teams or clubs). (3) USD 12 million for each confederation per year, with the funds automatically released in two biannual payments in January and July each year.
The correspondence stated that FIFA Forward 1.0 has introduced several enhanced oversight controls to ensure transparency and effectiveness in the development of the sport.
The introduced mechanisms include, “One contract of agreed objectives per association, setting the strategy for development over two to four years, approved by the Development Committee. All tailor-made projects must be linked to the approved contract of agreed objectives. Any project above USD 300,000 to be approved by the Development Committee. FIFA administration to monitor the implementation of projects and their legacy and impact. Independent financial audits of Forward funds for each association. Enhanced development regulations, including greater powers of oversight and tougher compliance measures and Publication of independent audits of member associations’ annual finances.”
The release further said, “Under FIFA Forward 2.0. Member Associations shall: (a). Ensure that the principles of anti-discrimination, diversity, accessibility and inclusion, and human rights for all are protected and promoted, (b) Take measures to protect and safeguard children and minors from potential abuses and to promote their wellbeing within football (c) Avoid any situation giving rise to a conflict of interests (d) Avoid the usage of cash (e) Maintain all supporting documentation for all expenditures and payments made with FIFA Forward funds (f) Use the FIFA funds exclusively for the purposes allocated (g) Use contributions and funds allocated under Forward 1.0 by 31 December 2020. Any funds not used according to purpose shall be deducted from the entitlement of the 2019-2022 cycle.”
