“[…] The decision by our Arbitration Committee and the reactions of distress from the parties and supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought. It was never our intention to cause such distress.
“The SSFL understands fully that the system needs to be fixed..”
The following is a press statement from Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) general secretary Azaad Khan on the quashed disciplinary penalties handed to the Moruga Secondary and Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School (MMPHS) Championship Division teams:
Miracle Ministries attacker Keon Codrington (centre) celebrates the opening goal in their 3-0 Central Zone semifinal win over Carapichaima East Secondary at Edinburgh 500 on 14 November 2023. Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
Following the decision by the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Arbitration Committee to reinstate Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School (MMPHS) and Moruga Secondary as Central Zone and South Zone Championship Division winners respectively, the SSFL hereby unreservedly apologises to all football stakeholders and supporters for the unfortunate events that occurred.
The decision by our Arbitration Committee and the reactions of distress from the parties and supporters in recent days has given us time for further reflection and deep thought. It was never our intention to cause such distress.
The SSFL understands fully that the system needs to be fixed. We must work together to find solutions which protect the future of the League.
San Juan North supporters enjoy their opening 2023 SSFL Premier Division fixture as they defeated St Benedict’s College 4-3 in Bourg Mulatresse. Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868
It is clear that the events that led to arbitration was a significant misstep and due diligence should have been of a much higher standard.
We didn’t initially make the right decision here, which we fully accept.
Our aim is always to make the right decisions for this great League, to protect it for the future and to take us forward. The SSFL meantime has taken progressive steps to address the matter so that such events do not happen again.
SSFL South Zone secretary Gerald Elliot (right) hands over the South Zone Championship Division trophy to the Moruga Secondary captain after the school’s 3-1 win over Siparia West Secondary on Thursday 17 October 2023. Elliot is also a member of the SSFL Credentials Committee.
Once again, the SSFL is truly sorry for any inconvenience or offense this misstep may have caused.
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