GFF President hits back at claims U-20 players were left ‘undefended’ after disqualification

Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde has issued a rebuttal to claims that the federation failed to defend its Under-20 players, calling them “categorically untrue.”

Guyana and Anguilla were both disqualified from the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Qualifiers following an on-field brawl in Curacao on February 28.

Despite Guyana leading 5-0 at the time of the abandonment, the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee expelled both nations and handed four-match bans to four Guyanese players.

In an open letter to the football community, Forde outlined the “compressed” legal battle that took place behind the scenes, revealing that the GFF was given just hours to submit a defence.

Addressing the narrative that the federation was passive, Forde provided a timeline of the GFF’s actions:

•         The Notification: On the morning of March 1, the GFF was notified that proceedings were open.
•         The Deadline: They were given until 6:00 PM that same day—a window of just a few hours—to submit a written position.
•         The Response: Forde confirmed the GFF met the deadline with a “detailed written response” including video evidence and delegation reports.

“When incidents of this nature arise at the international level, there is no public hearing, no oral advocacy, and no forum for protracted debate,” Forde explained. “Support for our players is not measured by public theatrics. It is measured by responsible, strategic action taken within the rules.”

The GFF remains convinced that its players did not instigate the altercation. Forde highlighted the case of captain Max Robinson, who received a four-match ban despite video footage appearing to show him “attempting to restrain a teammate.”

However, Forde noted that under IFAB (International Football Association) rules, official Referee and Match Commissioner reports carry “substantial weight,” and retaliation is often treated as violent conduct regardless of provocation.

While acknowledging that the image of Guyanese football has been damaged, Forde offered an impassioned defence of the squad’s character.

“Let me be unequivocal: our boys are not violent, indisciplined or devoid of respect for the game. They are good young men,” he said. “They were drawn into a volatile situation that escalated rapidly.”

The GFF has confirmed it is now utilising the regulatory window to consider an appeal against the severity of the disqualification and the individual player sanctions.