Guyana versus Jamaica game in jeopardy…Golden Jaguars players, GFF at loggerheads over money owed

By Rawle Toney

Less than 24 hours before their all-important clash against the Reggae Boyz, the Golden Jaguars – Guyana’s senior Men’s National football team – are at loggerhead with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) with regards to owed match fees dating back to the 2014 World Cup Qualifier and as recent as their game against host Suriname on Saturday last.

A source close to both the GFF and the Golden Jaguars told News Room Sports that a meeting was held with the players and executives of the sport’s local governing body tonight (October 10), where the issue of owed fees was discussed.

According to the source, the players drafted an MOU for a “promise to pay” by the GFF, but the Executives refused.

President of the GFF, Wayne Forde, told the News Room, that discussions were held with “regards to Mexico money that is owed. That’s all I would say at this time.”

Forde, when asked if the game against Jamaica tomorrow (October 11) was in jeopardy, said “as far as I’m aware, no. But we had a meeting and that’s all I would say at this time.”

Head Coach of the Golden Jaguars, Jamaal Shabazz, said “whatever is going on is an issue between the GFF and players.”

Shabazz, at the time, was speaking from the Leonora Track and Field Centre where the Golden Jaguars were schedule to have their final training session before their game against Jamaica, but, according to the source, the players will not be taking the field.

The source said the players left their training gear behind when boarding the bus for Leonora, but Shabazz said “as far as I’m aware, I’m here (at Leonora) preparing for a training session.”

News Room Sports could not ascertain the exact amount owed to the team, but the issue with payments owed from the game sold to Mexico is one that the players, especially captain Christopher Nurse, has been fighting ever since 2012.

The Golden Jaguars played to a 3-1 loss to Mexico at the world-famous ‘Azteca’, and were scheduled to played their return game at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence.

However, the GFF at the time under the guidance of former President (ag) Franklin Wilson, sold the rights to return leg to the Mexican Federation, for the game to played at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.

The conditions, however, stated the players would receive a percentage of the money, but to date, that has not happened. Four years later, the players remain adamant, that the GFF should honour the agreement made. 

More details as the situation unfolds.