Hon. Alieu K. Jammeh, minister of Youth and Sports has resolved the much talked about misunderstanding between the Gambia Football Association (GFA) Normalisation Committee and the Regional Organising Committee (ROC) over the validation of the GFA Draft Constitution.

Speaking at a press conference convened at the Independence Stadium on Tuesday to brief the public on the new development, Minister Alieu K. Jammeh said after a successful in-door meeting with both parties, they have agreed on all points on normalising football, particularly the constitution.

“We have noticed a slight escalation of difference in opinion which is very healthy. We had a healthy and lively discussion on issues on the proposed and draft constitution of the GFA,” he said, while reporting that they have found a positive conclusion that the chairperson who represents the regions and the opinion of their people has agreed to work with normalization committee and give it fullest support in moving football forward, and especifically to work with them to have a constitution that will be all inclusive.

Way forward

The Sports minister revealed that they have decided that the Normalisation Committee issue another letter to the regions to invite them to another meeting next week beginning on Tuesday through the sports chairperson of the regions. He said the regions will also have consultation among themselves on the constitution and make recommendation and proposals where necessary before the face-to-face and consultation meeting with the GFA Normalisation Committee.

Also as given by FIFA, they have agreed that there are some Articles in the constitution that cannot change meaning they are untouchable, noting that the only area that there can be changes are allowances and other areas.

Minister Jammeh also informed sports journalists that they also agreed that the composition of the former congress is the same that will come to either adopt or reject the draft constitution.

Assurance

Minister Jammeh went on to assure Gambians that there is a brighter future for football in this country because of the issues they are looking at to restructure the game. “We want to strengthen the academies, go to the grassroots and see a real football there, as well we also want to restructure the league to be a more professional league,” he said.

On his part, Alhaji OB Conateh, chairman of the GFA Normalisation Committee, commended the minister for being at the forefront to see that the two sides come together. He commended the media for disseminating any development at the GFA to the public.

He said the GFA and the ROC have come to terms for the development of Gambian football, while hoping that the peace will be a lasting one for development of football in the country. “We cannot divide ourself, we are here as a normalisation committee and we always want all to be on board.”

He commended Minister Alieu K. Jammeh for his exemplary and able leadership in seeing that peace is restored between the GFA and the ROC. “He is someone who fits his position and he left no stone unturned in ensuring that two sides are one for the development of football.

“The minister is a very good young man who does not [take] sides because he addresses both sides,” he said, while urging him to keep it up. He concluded by thanking the ROC for the collaboration, noting that it is sometimes good to disagree to agree but they are all together in the process.

Speaking on behalf of Mustapha Kebbeh, spokesperson of the ROC, Lamin Camara of West Coast Region, said there were mixed feelings when the ROC were invited for the validation of the draft constitution within the various regions.

He said they have resolved the problem amicably, noting that the understanding is now there, as it was just simple misunderstanding in the framing of the letter or the understanding of the regions. “We thank God that we have come to terms to take the game that we all cherish forward so that wetomorrow we will not be judged as people that set back Gambian football,” he said.

He stressed that the Normalisation Committee is composed of people with high integrity as far as football is concerned and even in the entire world, adding that the main problem was the constitution. He concluded by thanking the minister of Youth and Sports and members of the Normalisation Committee for the fruitful outcome.

After the press conference, both sides shook hands with smiles indicating that they have buried the hatchet and look forward to work together for the validation of the draft constitution.