Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:

The Caribbean Football Union (CFU), which once seemed unified and unstoppable, appears to be disintegrating rapidly as indications are that some life-long friendships are either strained or have been severed in the wake of the now infamous vote-buying scandal.

Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that some powerful CFU members are pitted against other influential members of the organisation, who they feel have betrayed the body by privately cutting secret deals in the halls of power to promote their own selfish agenda.

While one cannot verify the veracity of some of the stories going around, which include claims that former CFU boss Jack Warner and Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss Captain Horace Burrell, who were once close allies, are no longer on speaking terms, one thing that cannot be denied is the fact that the CFU is now an organisation engulfed in acrimony and mistrust.

Based on some of the stories appearing in the media, it would appear that there are many persons with solid ties to the CFU, who are now walking around with deep dark secrets, which they hope to ultimately use to destroy the reputations of some of the persons harbouring serious leadership aspirations.

In fact, in light of some of the innuendos making the rounds in CFU territory, I believe it is of paramount importance that Burrell and Horace Reid, who reportedly attended the now infamous CFU meeting in Trinidad & Tobago, give a full account of what transpired. In my opinion, the Jamaican people need an honest explanation.

terms of reference

As far as I know, the JFF is not a law unto itself and should not be allowed to operate that way. While I am unclear as to the terms of reference of the Public Defender and the Contractor General, I believe with Jamaica's reputation at stake in this matter, if the JFF refuses to come clean, both organisations should consider launching an investigation into the affair.

After reading an article in Tuesday's Gleaner, which was published under the caption, 'Directors Shun JFF Meeting', it would appear that some members of the federation's board of management are doing their very best to avoid discussing the issues and, unless I am badly mistaken, this is clearly a case of inappropriate behavior.

As I have stated many times in this column, with the Captain's Bakery & Grill being the main sponsor for a vast majority of the parishes, it is unlikely that the various parish representatives, who would probably feel guilty for biting the hands feeding their football, would dare stand up to Burrell and demand that he tells all.

In light of the dilemma the JFF directors have found themselves in, the only person who can rescue them from what is fast becoming a localised scandal is the suspended Burrell. While he might not be able to divulge matters that are of a confidential nature, I see no reason why he can't clear the air in so far as the vote-buying allegations are concerned.

The news that Trinidad & Tobago Football Federation president Oliver Camp has resigned, after FIFA recently announced that he was one of 10 Caribbean officials facing further investigation for their role in the cash-for-votes scandal, is yet another indication that the matter remains quite current and could claim other victims.

If Burrell truly values Jamaica's reputation as a country of excellence and high standard in sports, I believe he has no choice but to come clean to the Jamaican people. I don't know about my colleagues in the media but this is an issue I am not prepared to let go until a reasonable explanation is given.

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