SVGFF clears field on match fixing challenge

President of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation Venold Coombs feels vindicated that this country has been cleared by the regional confederation (CONCACAF) for allegations of “match fixing” in its local football competitions.{{more}}

The all-clear and clean bill of health were given last week through a letter from CONCACAF’s director of Sports Integrity Dr Laila Mintas.

In his letter, Mintas outlined: “Your reported circumstances and our analyses do not provide evidence for further investigations by CONCACAF at the moment.”

However, Mintas noted that CONCACAF reserved the right to reconsider the case, should any new information be received.

Commenting on the ruling, Coombs told SEARCHLIGHT: “From the start, I never paid much attention to it…. It was a case of spite and malice by someone who wanted to make mischief and who had a vendetta.”

The allegations of “match fixing” became a topic for CONCACAF’s investigation, when in November last, then first vice president Lloyd Small listed it as present in local football competitions under the auspices of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation.

Small, in his 21 reasons for tending his resignation, gave it as one of his causes for him stepping down from his post.

Reports are that the allegations stemmed from several back and forth e-mails among members of the executive of the SVGFF regarding matches in the National Inter-Community League Championships and the National Club Championships.

Stoutly defending the situation, Coombs pointed out: “We here in these parts are not involved in such practices. That is not part of us.”

Match fixing over the years has assumed greater prominence, especially in countries where there are big monies at stake.

In organised sports, match fixing occurs as a match is played to a completely or partially pre-determined result, violating the rules of the game and often the law. (RT)