OMAR SEY CLEAR MISCONCEPTIONS OF PEOPLE AGAINST HIM IN GFA

Alhaji Omar Sey, former GFA president, now vice chairman and spokesperson of the seven-member GFA Normalisation Committee has cleared the air on many issues surrounding Gambian football, ranging from his relationship with Alhaji OB Conateh, to his rumoured resignation, among others issues reported in the media.

Sey was speaking on Tuesday at the GFA building in Kanifing during a lengthy press conference convened by the GFA Normalisation Committee. Responding to speculations that Gambian football is going backward under their committee, Sey said the committee is not here to organise and win trophies but rather to normalise the game andput everything in order for the coming executive.

“What was highlighted by the minister of Youth and Sports during our inauguration on things to be normalised were huge and we knew the work will be tough, taking into consideration that the finance, technical, administration, and public relations amongst others all needed to be normalised,” he added

According to him, finance is very important in any organisation, andas a result they immediately initiated an audit exercise which is still ongoing because of what is involved. He said the auditors are still working on it but will be ready very soon. “We hope that it will give us clear idea as to which way to go but in the interim we have taken steps and decided to downsize the staff of GFA. When we came in, we looked at the numbers and it was 75 with a total salary amounting to D379, 000 per month to pay all the staff. We therefore decided to reduce that number to cater for efficiency and financial needs of GFA,” he stated.

He disclosed that those that have been sacked have been paid their two months salaries together with their dues. Meeting this requirement of retrenchment was difficult for them because when they came in, finances were in a poor status and the GFA was indebted to a tune of D8M. He however declined disclose those responsible and how it all happened. Reacting to media reports that FIFA has stopped supporting the GFA and that FIFA has given the US$800, 000 [equivalent to D25M], Sey said such reports are unfounded.

Explaining the reasons behind the impounding of the GFA bus by the High Court, the Normalisation Committee’s mouthpiece said it came as result of money owed to some hotels by the GFA amounting to nearly D1M. He was however quick to reveal that he personally handed over a cheque of US$100, 000 to the former GFA president, Seedy Kinteh just before leaving office as the GFA president and noted that people have to be responsible for their actions when in public or private offices.

Restructuring Gambian league

Responding to a question on the need to look back at the Gambian football league, Sey said restructuring the league to a more professional one is part of their Terms of Reference (TOR), as a normalisation committee. “We are thinking about increasing the teams from 12 to 16 in the 1st Division. It is on our agenda as far as restructuring the league is concerned,” he said, adding that when we have 16 teams in the league, the teams play more games and it will be to their advantage.

Relationship with OB Conateh

Questioned about his relationship with OB Conateh, chairman of the Normalisation Committee, following reports that he is not in good terms with him, Sey said those are all unfounded stories that no one can justify. “I just don't know where the rumour is coming from. OB Conateh is a long time friend, since 1953. We play football together and he is anywhere I am,” he stated whilst declaring that nothing can stop their friendship.

Resignation

Omar Sey, who had earlier confirmed to Observer Sports that he has not resigned again, reiterated his earlier statement. “It is just that we agreed that OB should be coming for some time and I will be coming on another time since we are all busy people,” he explained.

Constitution

Sey further disclosed that they are working on restructuring the constitution and the exercise will soon be completed. He said the draft review constitution accommodates everybody. “It is a national document and everyone will have a copy. It makes everybody feel part of football from elite football, regional football, nawettan football, male and female football,” he emphasised whilst noting that his committee also maintains a strong relationship with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and FIFA. He concluded by appealing to journalists to verify and analyse their facts before going to press.