GFF President says Government interferes in their issues
By Tatia Megeneishvili
Thursday, July 30
The President of the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) Zviad Sichinava responded to the Vice Prime Minister (PM) Kakhi Kaladze’s statements that the government should get involved in the GFF’s issues as the federation might have been misspending money.
According to Sichinava, the current tries to continue the practice of their predecessors.
“When the United National Movement (UNM) was intervening in the GFF's affairs, the current government members, when they were the opposition, were criticizing former officials for the conduct,” he said.
A couple of days ago, prior to upcoming presidential elections in the GFF, which date will be specified after August 11, Kaladze criticized the Football Federation.
“The Government spends 40 million GEL annually for football development. However, this field still fails. The Government should intervene in the election process,” stated Kaladze.
The Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs, Tariel Khechikashvili, made additional explanations of the Vice PM’s words.
“The Government should not stay inactive while Georgian football collapses,” stated Khechikashvili.
Levan Kobiashvili, well-known football player and Revaz Arveladze, General Secretary of GFF are the two candidates for the elections. After Kaladze’s statement, Sichinava said that he might change his previous solution and take part in the race.
Meanwhile, Kobiashvili shares Kaladze’s position about the government’s interference.
“I believe that the money allocated by the government for football development, should be spent properly. This is what Kaladze meant and many people share his vision,” Kobiashvili said.
