MARIGOT--Three candidates for the presidency of Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) were in
St. Martin this past weekend for a conference organised and hosted by the St. Martin Football Association (SMFA).
The purpose was to discuss the way forward to rebuild CONCACAF in the wake of former President Jeffrey Webb’s arrest in Zurich on corruption charges amid the FIFA scandal.
To that end several influential delegates from the island’s football associations were invited. They included Gordon Derrick (Antigua), Neil Cochrane (Antigua), Richard Dijkhoff (Aruba), Avanell Morton (BVI’s), Victor Montagliani (Canada), Wayne Forde (Guyana), Maurice Victoire (Martinique), Dr. John Krishnadath (Suriname), Joanne Salazar (Trinidad and Tobago), and Alfredo Whittaker (former FIFA referee—guest of Suriname and Antigua).
The CONCACAF Presidential candidates are Gordon Derrick, Larry Mussenden (Bermuda) and Victor Montagliani.
Candidates for the FIFA Committee were Dr. John Krishnadath and Joanne Salazar.
“We’re here to discuss what has transpired since the crisis emerged and to get everyone’s viewpoint and proposals for going forward,” said SMFA President Fabrice Baly. “We want to talk about what our expectations are as members and shareholders but our main concern is to carefully choose the right candidate for President because it’s not about the policies, it’s about the person.”
The CONCACAF election takes place on May 12, 2016, in Mexico during the Congress.
The six non-FIFA members; French St. Martin, Dutch St. Maarten, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Bonaire, and French Guiana will not take part in FIFA’s election, but will be able to take part in the CONCACAF election, Baly explained.
Victor Montagliani explained his campaign is based on the concept of “One CONCACAF.”
“I think it’s time we come together as 41 members, too long we have been trying to govern the game with the regions; 31 Caribbean, seven Central American and three North American, and it hasn’t worked to anyone’s benefit,” he said. “The four pillars in my platform important to the future are governance, commercial aspects, facilities building, and strategic technical initiatives.
“My take is that the members are ready to come together and break down these walls that have existed for 55 years in CONCACAF.”
Candidate Gordon Derrick, President of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), said: “I believe I can bring stability and calmness to leadership at this peculiar time of upheaval in the history of CONCACAF to bring things around to the direction we want to go. The vision I am bringing is one of excellent corporate governance which I have been trained in from the banking sector so I’m confident of managing the operations of the board.”
The third presidential candidate, Larry Mussenden, was due to arrive later in the day and was not present.
Joanne Salazar, Vice-President of Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, has been put forward for the position of the CONCACAF female representative on the FIFA Council.
“The position has three dimensions; one to make sure there is a strong advocacy for women’s football which is of growing interest and one of FIFA’s core activities, to be the voice of the Caribbean and the voice of CONCACAF,” Salazar explained.
She added she was nominated by two football associations Suriname and St. Vincent and the Grenadines as well as her home union in Trinidad.
“I was humbled, it took me a while to digest it. The love of football and wanting to see it advance is paramount. To be successful in the role goes beyond any monetary remuneration. Caribbean football development is at an inflection point, so is FIFA and CONCACAF. So it’s an interesting and dynamic time. Should you be able to occupy one of those hot seats they will be hot for quite a while. If successful it will be nice to get in there as part of a new wave.”
Dr. John Krishnadath, President of the Suriname Football Association, said he was nominated for the same position on the FIFA Committee by Guyana, Trinidad, and the Bahamas.
Fabrice Baly was assisted by attorney Theresa Pitcairn for the organisation and presentation of the conference.
