Super Nawettaan matches move to the Independence Stadium

The Gambia Football Federation informs the general public of its regret that the 2013 Skye Bank Super Nawettan has abruptly been halted due to crowd troubles in recent matches. This decision is in consultation with critical stakeholders with a view to surgically analysing the problems that bedeviled the recent impasses before any uplifting of the indefinite ban would be announced.
The Organising Committee of the tournament and the GFF Executive met in closed doors and have formally agreed on proposals over the continuity of the Super Nawettan. The stakeholders will henceforth adequately engage security Chiefs and to formally seek their expert advice on the venues fit for matches.
In fact, it has further been proposed that all matches would now be shifted to the Independence Stadium so as to ensure that fans of the different zones are far apart from each other with a view to minimise the chances of troubles arising. The Security personnel would henceforth be posted to mount checks on the stands to deter spectators from any forms of misconduct that could result to violence hence most of the troubles emanate from the stands.

Besides, in order to avoid divided attention, the GFF and the Super Nawettan Organising Committee are considering the possibility of playing two matches a day instead of three ( one at 3pm and the other at 5pm). It is believed that such a strategy will consolidate efforts and thus help to ensure that there are hitch free matches.

The GFF and the Super Nawettan Organising Committee urges all zones to adequately sensitize their fans through radio talk shows and other means prior to their respective matches. The GFF further urges the zones in their preparations to freely engage the decision makers, opinion and religious leaders and village elders to sensitise community members on the need for discipline and show of respect.

The GFF Executive again warns that the consequences of misconduct should be clearly communicated to the fans; players etc as the GFF will not at any cost condone unsporting behaviours. The body states unequivocally that the individuals who were found wanting for the various criminal offences will be prosecuted accordingly.

The GFF Executive and the Super Nawettan Organising Committee are in talks with key stakeholders to quickly address the standoff and would formally announce the lifting of the indefinite suspension of the tournament when all measures are been filled.

While thanking all stakeholders for the collaboration, the GFF Executive takes this opportunity to further solicit the support of the general public for the years ahead and reassures its undivided dedication to the development of Gambian football.

Source: 

Bakary B Baldeh
Media Officer

Gambia Football Federation.