Cayman Islands Sports Minister’s Statement re CIFA Executive

The technicality used to block the bids of those seeking office is understood per CIFA’s Articles, but in light of all that has happened in the recent past with FIFA, CONCACAF and by extension CIFA, one would have thought we could have gotten past this to allow some possible changes to the Executive. Incidentally, these are unpaid positions and it begs the question as to why the Articles were designed in this way, that it takes almost 20% of the team membership to have someone nominated for office. Quite frankly it appears that it’s easier to run for political office in the country than to seek office in CIFA.

I agree (per their statement) that this was my first written correspondence to Mr. Blake on the matter (1• VP and acting President), but before that I met with Mr. Blake on two (2) separate occasions to express my concerns about the lack of transparency and the way forward with the current Executive. At the time Mr. Blake made it clear that he had implored the members to search their conscience in light of circumstances surrounding the suspended President and CIFA, and to step down if they saw fit, but no one did and therefore it was only two (2) positions up for election, his post as 1″ VP and Mr. Mark Campbell as Asst. Secretary. I was also advised by Mr. Blake that Mr. Jeff Webb would remain as the suspended President of CIFA, and his seat was uncontested as his term was still running.

As the largest local financial donor and stake holder, the Government has a vested interest in ensuring public funds are spent properly for the good of football development in these islands. As a Government we have therefore decided that regrettably we cannot financially support CIFA any further under the current circumstances. With a new season just around the corner it is hoped that the current Executive of CIFA will do what is right in the public interest.

Hon. Osbourne Bodden, JP, MLA
Minister of Community Affairs, Youth and Sport

Acting President of CIFA, Bruce Blake, arrogance came to the fore when he said he wasn’t bothered that much in the Cayman Islands government withholding its $130,000 grant to the football association. He told The Cayman Compass, “CIFA has enough alternative funds to survive the blow to its finances and would look to the private sector for further donations and sponsorship deals.”

Blake is backed by the majority of the country’s football clubs if not by anyone else. He still might find it hard to find the monetary support he believes he will get. And now there is this blow. Read on

Local auditor Philip Rankin, who was undertaking the work of completing the annual accounts for the association ahead of the AGM and elections last Saturday (29) has said he is unable to do this. He has informed the CIFA.

Apparently he has found “unsubstantiated and suspicious transactions as a result of missing information” and these have been reported to the appropriate authorities.

The Anti-Corruption Commission confirmed Saturday: “A matter involving the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) has been brought to the Commission’s attention. This matter is being reviewed.”