GIBSON ... still at work

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and its general secretary Burchell Gibson insisted last night that he had not resigned, contrary to talk in football circles.

Gibson told the Observer, however, that uncertainty about his situation had influenced him to make clear to JFF president Crenston Boxhill that he would quit if the reports that the JFF was considering replacing him were true.

And against the backdrop of other rumours that a no-confidence motion will be moved against the Boxhill administration at Sunday's Congress at the Jamaica Crest Hotel in Fairyhill, Portland, Gibson also expressed confidence that such a motion would not be carried.

Regarding talk of his resignation, Gibson said: "I got some information alleging that a business plan was being developed by the Finance Committee and a part of the plan was to replace me.

"However, I have gone to two presentations in which the plan was presented - one to the Management Committee on Thursday, and one to the board of directors on Saturday, and that was not mentioned.

"I have indicated to my president and vice-president that if that were ever mentioned in a forum and was not discussed with me, then I would have no choice than to hand in my resignation."

Speculation about Gibson's tenure in the job surfaced late Saturday evening, with unconfirmed reports that he had tendered his resignation on Friday, complaining that his authority was being undermined.

Another source close to the federation had also alleged that in a proposal put forward by the Finance Committee at Saturday's meeting, it was suggested that Gibson's contract be terminated, as he does not have the corporate image to lead the federation's "new business plan".

The JFF in its release yesterday said in part: "there is no truth to the rumour that the general secretary ... has resigned. Mr Gibson continues to perform his duties after arriving in office this morning."

Gibson's final word on the issue, yesterday, was that: "The present situation is that it (proposed replacement) has not been formally put to me, and I have not seen it via the presentation by the member of the Finance Committee who put that proposal out, and as such I have no choice but to continue with my contractual obligations."

Meanwhile, the JFF said it would announce details of the new business plan proposed by the Finance Committee at its secretariat today.

It's understood that among the recommendations is for the offices of the JFF, located at 20 St Lucia Crescent in the New Kingston business district, valued at about $48 million, to be sold to pay heavy debts.

The building was purchased by the Captain Horace Burrell-led administration after the Reggae Boyz qualified for the World Cup Finals in France in 1998.

The Finance Committee is comprised of chairman Chris Berry, managing director, Mayberry Investments. The other committee members are: Ian Neita, vice-president of Cable and Wireless; Mark Hart, Hart Group of Companies; Earl Jarrett, president, Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS); Ann Shirley, business consultant, and Allan Lewis, financial consultant, JMMB.

Regarding the rumoured "no confidence motion", Gibson said:

"I have not discussed a no-confidence motion with the rest of the committee, but as you are aware, this is football, and as such you always enter into any situation with an open mind.

"I am quite confident that that will not happen. For anybody to get two-thirds vote to move that motion, that would mean that we are doing almost everything that is bad... and what would be anybody's motive for mooting a no-confidence vote? I would want to question that," he asserted.

Gibson explained that for a no-confidence motion to be carried, there would have to be approval from a two-thirds majority of delegates, after being moved and seconded by delegates from separate parish associations. Gibson is expecting just over 100 delegates at the congress on Sunday.

"There is a lot of politics that is being played," said Gibson, "but we just have to know that what we are doing is in accordance to our mandate."

Sunday's agenda includes: President's report; General Secretary's report; Submission of balance sheet, receipts and expenditure account; Vote and approval of the accounts; Admission and/or resignation of minor affiliates; Consideration and proposal for alteration of the articles of association bylaws or regulations; Reappointment of auditors to examine and certify the accounts of the JFF; Questions from member parish association submitted in writing; and any other business.

The general secretary said no questions had been submitted up to yesterday.

-burnetti@jamaicaobserver.com

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