FIFA Scandal: Senator Smith Commends BFA
Senator Jonathan Smith today [June 29] commended the Bermuda Football Association [BFA] for their actions in relation to the recent FIFA Scandal.
The Associated Press previously reported that Bermuda is among four Caribbean Football Union members whose officials refused $40,000 cash payments allegedly arranged by bin Hammam and former FIFA vice president Jack Warner in Trinidad last month.
A FIFA report states that Mr Mussenden told BFA general secretary David Sabir not to accept an envelope stuffed with $100 bills after a May 10 meeting with bin Hammam.
The panel’s report said Mr Sabir telephoned Mr Mussenden, who said the BFA would not accept any cash gifts, and payment would have to be accompanied by the proper letters authorizing such contribution.
Senator Smith said, “I asked that the Senate sent their appreciation to the leadership of the Bermuda Football Association to Larry Mussenden, David Sabir, and Gregory Grimes for their role in saying no to cash bribes.”
“I think we have all seen the story unfold across the world that has resulted in FIFA sending down a suspension, there has been a resignation.”
“I just think it’s so important when people are in position of leadership, our former Attorney General, and the BFA, I just think it sends an excellent example of what leaders must do, and that is to say no to corruption, no to cash bribes.”
“And I think that Bermuda has been extremely well served, and I know it’s early days yes but I think that little beacon of integrity may spark a sea change within FIFA,” concluded Senator Smith.
Senator Smith is absolutely correct when he says leaders must say no to corruption. Is this all part of the “not business as usual”, “resetting the dial”, “recalibrating” and trying to have nothing to do with the last 12 years of PLP Government that the Premier is so fond of saying?
As the Senator calls it: “..a little beacon of integrity…”.
i.e. a little beacon in a sea of darkness.
It’s a sad world that we live in when we applaud people for what should be the norm. Have we reached the point where corruption has become so pervasive that we find doing the right thing as something noble.
@ James
+1
It’s akin to applauding a team that strings together more than 2 passes. We are clearly near the depths of hell..
@ James….my sentiments exactly…
“And I think that Bermuda has been extremely well served, and I know it’s early days yes but I think that little beacon of integrity may spark a sea change within FIFA,” concluded Senator Smith.
I wonder if there will be an equal “sea change” within the PLP.
The fact that handing out wads of cash seemed like a good idea should give us reason to reflect on what has happened at other meetings of CFU delegates as should the fact that Mr Sabir needed to call his boss to figure out whether he should accept the evenlope
Frank–you may be on to something here.
Hmmmmmm!!!!!
As a sitting member of the Bermuda Football Executive please be advised that it is the protocol to ensure that all members of the executive are fully aware of any goings on while representing Bermuda and the BFA overseas.
Please be advised that Bermuda, Larry Mussenden and David Sabir are held in the highest regard in International Football. I personally have seen how these two gentlemen are regarded on the world football stage and it is because of their hard work and integrity that Bermuda enjoys such a widely regarded prominence. While we are continuing to develop our place on the field of play, Bermuda’s image in Football off the field is in stellar condition.
Regards
I fully agree with the comments of C. Anthony Francis and those of Senator Jonathan Smith. We are fortunate to have men of the calibre of Larry Mussenden, David Sabir and Gregory Grimes representing us at FIFA. They have clearly demonstrated their honesty and integrity and done us proud. FIFA is not held in the highest esteem at the moment, but Larry, David and Greg deserve to be recognized for being “beacons of integrity”.
Roger.. They did what ethical people are expected to do. The fact that we see it as being an outstanding feat clearly highlights the very depths that we have sunk to in this country.
Sad!!!
Wow, amazing what a trip to a FIFA Congress will do to change an executives position!!
Well done. This is definitely a breath of fresh air for Bermuda.