From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
There are strong indications, that the alleged ongoing rift among the organizers of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State tertiary institution’s football tournament, tagged Governor’s Cup 2024 may led to the boycott of the annual competition by the officials of the State Football Association, FA.
In a press statement issued by the Association and made available to Sports Journalists in Owerri over the weekend, they frowned at some unprofessional practices the organizers wants to introduce into the competition that may marr the reputation of the tournament.
According to them,”the IMO FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike has expressed reservations about acts of interference which seek to disrupt the Governor’s Cup, citing the abuse of power and flagrant attempt to circumvent the laws of the beautiful game”.
They also alleged that some persons within the organizers are advancing plans to disrupt the peace of the competition by trying to smuggle in through the back door, a team that was walked over to continue participating in the tournament, a move they described as an aberration and a stark contravention of the laws of the game.
The Association also said that they are opposed to the wrong antics insisting that the spirit and the letters of the laws of the game must be respected, irrespective of whose ox is gored or whose toes are stepped upon.
The FA further sound a warning that she and her affiliates might be compelled to pull out of the competition if the rules are not strictly adhered to.
