November 29 – Gambia’s authorities are on a collision course with FIFA after the country’s National Sports Council (NSC) refused to rescind its decision to suspend the executive committee of the national federation.
Earlier this week the tiny west African state was given an ultimatum for the government to stop interfering in the affairs of the federation which it accuses of financial impropriety.
FIFA warned it could take further action but NSC chairman Bori Darboe, who has the backing of the country’s sports minister Henry Gomez, says he is willing to accept a global ban if necessary.
“We will not rescind our decision nor compromise the principles of good governance,” Darboe was quoted by the BBC. “We are in no way reluctant to engage with the suspended executive as proposed by FIFA in their letter to the Council.”
“In the worst scenario it is better for the country to be suspended and we put our house in order than allow wrong doing to prevail and remain as we are without progress in our football development.”
“The Sports Council is not and will not compromise nor abandon the current principles of accountability and transparency.
“The Gambia will not allow any individual or group to flout the financial rules and regulations of this land without being dealt with impunity.
“To let you know just one serious case at hand right now. The NSC has investigated and confirmed with the Gambia Revenue Authority that there are sufficient evidences of GFF involvement in tax fraud.
“Also let me make it clear that a full and detailed report will be compiled and forwarded to FIFA at the end of the investigations.”
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