Kuwait Indian Football New Season Updates
Kuwait: The Extra-Ordinary General meeting of the Kuwait Indian Football
Federation (KIFF) with the football teams’ representatives held on 28th
September 2009 at Village Inn, Kuwait City, was very chaotic with some times
threatening to withdraw their teams from the KIFF fold and participation. It
was a near failure to redress the important issues placed before KIFF relating
to the smooth organizing of football tournaments, ground selection and
referees.
“The start of the season which was scheduled to start on 2nd October 2009 has
now been further delayed as KIFF could not get qualified referees to carry on
as well as a 'ground' ,” remarked a team’s representative who attended the
meeting.
It is to be also pointed out that the 'dictorial' ban on players - who are
qualified members of an independent refereeing body [IFRA and whose
contribution to football in Kuwait is well recognised and documented]
- refusing to officiate 'as KIFF referees' was REMOVED courtesy to the efforts
of some Goan clubs. This 'unjustified ban' was dictated by some members
(some past-presidents of the Federation] and who often shuffle themselves
from one team one year and next migrate to another team as representatives,
just to show themselves attending meetings and be seen on press cuttings, with
no worthwhile contribution. Such characters are also supported by one blogger
for his own interest in soliciting event sponsorships.
The so-called stalwarts [and often self-glorified] founder members of KIFF were
shown the 'door' by the younger members at the house! This actually happened
at the meeting and is now jokingly 'considered' one of the major highlights of
the evening when one of the 'KIFF constitution interpreter' had to walk away
from the meeting as his biased views and arrogant attitude was not tolerated
by the members present.
“Efforts to bring down the new KIFF managing committee is only because of
destructive thinking and personal egos, but we will never be a part of such
minds,” countered a Goan member of KIFF committee..
When asked about the rumours circulating on the Net, “KIFF is not dissolved and
will not be dissolved at any time as all the football teams, players/members
and organizers are passionate about the game...... but attitude and egos of
'seniors' have to be shelved,” remarked another football fanatic.
"We will compromise to reach at an amicable solution", as past KIFF president
who served for a few terms was overheard as saying.
It is also noted that a particular KIFF member had the audicity to welcome one
particular club representative to join in to be the KIFF nominated 'referees
administrator' to find a solution, when the same group exactly a year ago
ensured that no newcomers can 'contest' general elections and KIFF president
post and again passed on a 'resolution' contravening the KIFF
constitution. This was pointed out by the two-year old club rep. which
created a humourous situation for all. When questioned about the strength of
suggested 'referees', KIFF could mutter just a 2-3 names, for which the team
representatives expressed their displeasure.
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, one should not forget
Newton's Law, a long time Indian watching football from the Al-Sour Ground days
lamented.
In the meantime, there will be a 8-a-side one day football
tournament on Friday, 2nd October 2009, with Indian Football Referees
Association (IFRA) officiating at the Digital Grounds, Kuwait City, as per
information received by www.goa-world.com last evening.
It's high time KIFF recognises the fact that the spring time is the best to
play 'football' in Kuwait rather than making the players sweat it out in 45
Degree heat. It is also to be observed that tournament matches are not played
on important religious days of significance - as per the moods and fancies.
And most importantly adhere to the KIFF constitution!
_________________________________________________________
I.F.R.A, K.I.F.F and the memory of late J.P.D'Mello
The Indian Football Referees Association (I.F.R.A.) has been one organization
which has given an immense goodwill to Indian football in Kuwait. Since 1980,
the association has trained and recruited new referees as its members and
provided services for football matches. The late J.P. D'Mello, Founder
President of the Association was the one instrumental in forming the current
Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) and its constitution. His memory
has been justly kept alive by KIFF through its affiliated Indian football
teams/clubs/associations by naming the KIFF League after him. May his soul
rest in peace.
The Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) established in 1983 controls
all Indian expatriate football activities in Kuwait. In the recently concluded
season, a total of 18 teams were registered with the federation with over 400
players displaying their skills every Friday morning. Apart from the League, 4
regular tournaments and 5 Seven-a-side tournaments are held under KIFF every
season. The KIFF celebrated 25 glorious years of its existence recently. For
over 30 years, Indian clubs and associations have strived to ensure development
of individual players while teaching the importance of team effort, fair
competition, discipline and good sportsmanship.
Players, officials, clubs may come and go.
But Indian football, for sure, will remain a Winner in Kuwait for a long time,
so also the Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) - for the love of the
game..
- by gaspar almeida, www.goa-world.com
(c) All rights reserved.
Links:
KIFF-Kuwait elects new managing committee
Legacy of Indian Football in Kuwait...24/07/2008
Legends of Indian Football...31/05/2007
Loss of Soor Grounds... 21/07/2007
[Goanet] Kuwait Indian Football New Season Updates
Goa's Pride www.goa-world.com Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:28:32 -0700
