West Demerara Football Association finances hammered by COVID-19
Adrian Giddings, Secretary of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA), says that the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting local lockdown of the sporting fraternity, has severely affected the entity’s financial position.
This was revealed during an exclusive interview yesterday with Stabroek Sport. According to the veteran sports enthusiast, the resulting lockdown owing to the measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 disease, has affected the coffers of the association.
He added, “The financial situation is very bad, it’s basically because of the current situation. It is nothing nice at the moment and we have nothing much in the bank account. I can’t at the moment give you the exact figures. That will have to come from the treasurer but our financial situation is very bad.”
He revealed the lockdown has hurt the club’s ability to generate revenues through playing games and tournaments, which is the lifeline for the association. According to Giddings, while the association is not expanding finances on the staging of matches and the hosting of events presently, if issues arise that require financial input, assistance will be sought and required from the federation. He added,
“Because of the fact that we are not playing games, we don’t have to spend. If something comes up we have to call the GFF and ask for assistance.”
Giddings further posited, “The impact financially will be huge on everyone, basically this could go as far as FIFA. I don’t think the GFF has enough money to bail out Guyana and they might have to ask for assistance to deal with the challenge. I envision a grim future if we are left to deal with it alone. The clubs make up the association, and they will feel it much more badly.”
Asked if the discussions with the GFF have commenced with regards to a financial bailout plan for the respective associations, he revealed that the only discussions that have emanated during this period centred on the Covid19 relief funding.
He disclosed, “We didn’t have any discussions on that part. I am not sure, but I think they would especially if they want football to forward and recover. Basically the only discussions we had with the GFF was with regards to the Covid-19 relief. Other than that, we have not had any other discussions.”
The WDFA acquired $200,000 in funding from the GFF towards 40 hampers which were distributed to several players under the association’s umbrella.
According to Giddings, the immediate commencement of football would serve little purpose from a playing standpoint, as quality will be absent owing to the significant delay. He further stated that players and clubs would require a significant period to prepare before resuming action on the field.
“I think even starting a league at the moment wouldn’t be in the best interest or the right thing to do if we are looking from a technical standpoint, it would be sloppy football. After this entire thing, the clubs and players need a few months to get back in shape”, he added.