Jason Thomas
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
FORGET the drama. Forget the controversy. Forget the heart-break. All you need to know is Brunei is back on the map!
Fifa's annual Congress is turning out to be a ship-wreck, and its president is in the news for all the wrong reasons, but that won't matter a bit for Bruneians after the world governing body for the sport finally lifted its suspension on the Sultanate.
"The Fifa Executive Committee, chaired by president Joseph S Blatter, decided to lift the suspensions on the football associations of Bosnia-Herzegovina (FFBH) and Brunei Darussalam (NFABD, formerly Bafa) during its meeting held today, 30 May 2011 (early Tuesday morning in Brunei) at the Home of Fifa in Zurich," states a Press release on Fifa's website yesterday.
"The committee took these decisions after ascertaining that both national associations had fulfilled the conditions established by the Fifa Emergency Committee and approved statutes in line with the Fifa Statutes," it added.
Calls to Fifa's headquarters in Zurich confirmed what is turning out to be the best piece of football related news all year.
"As of now, yes," said a Fifa spokesperson when asked if Brunei is restored with full member privileges.
"They have fulfilled the obligations in Fifa Statutes and conditions defined in previous stages.
"Brunei is back because of the normalisation committee put in place in order to get the association back on track," a Fifa officer from the Media Department, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Brunei Times.
The normalisation committee, chaired by the president of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council (BNOC) His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, received the thanks due to it yesterday.
"I, and on behalf of the affiliates of Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council, would like to congratulate the National Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (NFABD) for being accepted as a member of Fifa," said BNOC secretary-general Hj Zuraimi Hj Abd Sani in an e-mail yesterday.
"As a result, the suspension enforced by Fifa for the last few years has been lifted today, Monday 30th May 2011.
"Our appreciation and gratitude goes to His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, as chairman of the normalisation committee and his team, who have worked tirelessly with Fifa in implementing the mandates set forth by the Fifa Emergency Committee.
"We wish to express our heartfelt congratulations for the job well done. Once again, congratulations to NFABD and be assured that you are most welcome to be the council's new affiliate," he added.
The e-mail should put to bed a saga which all started when the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (Bafa) was deregistered from the Registrar of Societies in November 2008 for failing to submit its activity and financial reports as requested.
It was then suspended by Fifa for government interference during its Executive Committee meeting in September 2009, and the suspension which threatened to turn into an expulsion during last June's Congress remained in effect until yesterday.
Though not recognised internationally, the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam managed to keep the day-to-day running of the sport in order, organising the national leagues as well as several age-group tournaments.
When contacted yesterday its president said that the lifting of the suspension was a day that would be remembered for a long time to come.
"We welcome the news ... let's celebrate the lifting of the suspension," Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid Hj Md Jaafar told The Brunei Times.
"We will cooperate with all stakeholders in sorting out the organisation of the domestic league in due course, but the most important thing is that we have returned to the international and regional stage which we should celebrate."The Brunei Times
Showing posts with label BAFA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BAFA. Show all posts
01 June 2011
12 January 2011
'Bafa will not be reinstated'
FFBD 'officially' football's governing body in Brunei
Federation must now get Fifa's recognition
A NEW year, a new era for the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD), whose status as the sport's governing body in Brunei was made official recently.
"First and foremost, there had been a lot of uncertainties with regard to FFBD's status as the national body of football taking into account Fifa's (International Federation of Association Football) requirement for Bafa (the now deregistered Football Association of Brunei Darussalam) to be reinstated," said FFBD secretary-general Sheikh Nordin Sheikh Mohamad (pic) during an interview with The Brunei Times to discuss the future of the Brunei Premier League (BPL) yesterday.
"Finally some time in December, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah called a meeting with all FFBD affiliates and Brunei football stakeholders to announce that His Majesty's Government will not reinstate Bafa," added Sheikh Nordin, who was not present during the meeting which was held at the Conference Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, due to work commitments.
With the uncertainties now cleared, the FFBD which came into existence in January 2009 is now free to move forward.
"It's good news for football generally because the uncertainty about the status of FFBD, and in general Brunei football, is gone but the problem of getting recognition (from Fifa) remains.
"However, at least, the FFBD can now start planning for the new season (2011 season)," added the FFBD secretary-general.
At the conclusion of the Fifa Executive Committee meeting last June, the committee agreed to recommend to the 60th Fifa Congress, which was held in Johannesburg on June 10, the suspension of Bafa instead of an expulsion as agreed during the previous meeting on March 19 in Zurich.
The decision was reached after taking into account that no major progress had been made since Bafa was suspended in September 2009.
Brunei's fate was then sealed when the highest authority for global football confirmed that Bafa would remain suspended until June 2011, when the next Fifa Executive Committee meeting is due to be held and the Bafa issue is expected to be re-discussed.
Judging by the decision to not reinstate Bafa, the Sultanate is taking the second alternative to remain a part of the global football community, which was listed by Fifa last year.
The first option is the re-registration of Bafa by the local authorities and the second is for a new body to officially apply and be recognised by Fifa.
"The application for a new body (to be recognised by Fifa) can come only after the first body has been expelled," said Thierry Regenass, Fifa's director of member associations, in an email to The Brunei Times on April 2.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in March "guided" Brunei on the steps to be taken if the country were to take the second option.
The AFC Director of Communications and Media, Sean Tohidi, told The Brunei Times then that "the second option is that a new organising body will need to officially apply to Fifa and AFC. Once it has been accepted as a 'provisional member' it will have no voting rights for at least two years.
"Traditionally, the application is first accepted by Fifa and then considered by AFC, but the application can be submitted simultaneously," he added.
The FFBD still has a lot of work to do before Brunei could be back in international football. But Sheikh Nordin hopes that Fifa would take into consideration the federation's hard work in developing football in Brunei, especially at the grassroots level via the Under-16, U-14 and other local leagues and recognise it as the sport's governing body in the Sultanate.The Brunei Times
Federation must now get Fifa's recognition
A NEW year, a new era for the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD), whose status as the sport's governing body in Brunei was made official recently.
"First and foremost, there had been a lot of uncertainties with regard to FFBD's status as the national body of football taking into account Fifa's (International Federation of Association Football) requirement for Bafa (the now deregistered Football Association of Brunei Darussalam) to be reinstated," said FFBD secretary-general Sheikh Nordin Sheikh Mohamad (pic) during an interview with The Brunei Times to discuss the future of the Brunei Premier League (BPL) yesterday.
"Finally some time in December, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Hazair Hj Abdullah called a meeting with all FFBD affiliates and Brunei football stakeholders to announce that His Majesty's Government will not reinstate Bafa," added Sheikh Nordin, who was not present during the meeting which was held at the Conference Room of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas, due to work commitments.
With the uncertainties now cleared, the FFBD which came into existence in January 2009 is now free to move forward.
"It's good news for football generally because the uncertainty about the status of FFBD, and in general Brunei football, is gone but the problem of getting recognition (from Fifa) remains.
"However, at least, the FFBD can now start planning for the new season (2011 season)," added the FFBD secretary-general.
At the conclusion of the Fifa Executive Committee meeting last June, the committee agreed to recommend to the 60th Fifa Congress, which was held in Johannesburg on June 10, the suspension of Bafa instead of an expulsion as agreed during the previous meeting on March 19 in Zurich.
The decision was reached after taking into account that no major progress had been made since Bafa was suspended in September 2009.
Brunei's fate was then sealed when the highest authority for global football confirmed that Bafa would remain suspended until June 2011, when the next Fifa Executive Committee meeting is due to be held and the Bafa issue is expected to be re-discussed.
Judging by the decision to not reinstate Bafa, the Sultanate is taking the second alternative to remain a part of the global football community, which was listed by Fifa last year.
The first option is the re-registration of Bafa by the local authorities and the second is for a new body to officially apply and be recognised by Fifa.
"The application for a new body (to be recognised by Fifa) can come only after the first body has been expelled," said Thierry Regenass, Fifa's director of member associations, in an email to The Brunei Times on April 2.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in March "guided" Brunei on the steps to be taken if the country were to take the second option.
The AFC Director of Communications and Media, Sean Tohidi, told The Brunei Times then that "the second option is that a new organising body will need to officially apply to Fifa and AFC. Once it has been accepted as a 'provisional member' it will have no voting rights for at least two years.
"Traditionally, the application is first accepted by Fifa and then considered by AFC, but the application can be submitted simultaneously," he added.
The FFBD still has a lot of work to do before Brunei could be back in international football. But Sheikh Nordin hopes that Fifa would take into consideration the federation's hard work in developing football in Brunei, especially at the grassroots level via the Under-16, U-14 and other local leagues and recognise it as the sport's governing body in the Sultanate.The Brunei Times
11 June 2010
FIFA congress confirmes BAFA suspension
Johannesburg: The FIFA Congress on Thursday confirmed the suspension of the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA), as proposed by the FIFA Executive Committee.
As the chances of the BAFA being re-registered in the coming weeks have improved, the FIFA Congress also gave the FIFA Executive Committee the authority to lift this suspension if the BAFA is re-registered.
The FIFA Executive Committee had earlier agreed to recommend to the FIFA Congress the suspension instead of an expulsion as previously envisaged until the 2011 FIFA Congress.
the-afc.com
As the chances of the BAFA being re-registered in the coming weeks have improved, the FIFA Congress also gave the FIFA Executive Committee the authority to lift this suspension if the BAFA is re-registered.
The FIFA Executive Committee had earlier agreed to recommend to the FIFA Congress the suspension instead of an expulsion as previously envisaged until the 2011 FIFA Congress.
the-afc.com
09 June 2010
60th Fifa Congress to decide on Brunei's fate
"Thus the outcome of the Fifa Congress only raises more questions than answers, what is Brunei's move and what of FFBD?
Previously if the expulsion did go through during the congress meeting in these two days, Brunei will have had to wait until at least 2012 to have any chance of playing again on the international stage.
In March, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) explained that there were two alternatives if the Sultanate wants to remain a part of the global football community.
First option is the re-registration of Bafa by the local authorities and second, for a new body to officially apply and be recognised by Fifa.
"The application of a new body can come only after the first body has been expelled," said Regenass in an email to The Brunei Times on April 2.
"That means a new association could only expect to join Fifa and play in international competition after mid 2012," Regenass added.
If the same rules apply with the extended suspension, it would be at least in 2013 that Brunei will get a taste of international football if Bafa is still not re-registered by then."
The Brunei Times
Previously if the expulsion did go through during the congress meeting in these two days, Brunei will have had to wait until at least 2012 to have any chance of playing again on the international stage.
In March, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) explained that there were two alternatives if the Sultanate wants to remain a part of the global football community.
First option is the re-registration of Bafa by the local authorities and second, for a new body to officially apply and be recognised by Fifa.
"The application of a new body can come only after the first body has been expelled," said Regenass in an email to The Brunei Times on April 2.
"That means a new association could only expect to join Fifa and play in international competition after mid 2012," Regenass added.
If the same rules apply with the extended suspension, it would be at least in 2013 that Brunei will get a taste of international football if Bafa is still not re-registered by then."
The Brunei Times
08 June 2010
BAFA will not be expelled !
Johannesburg: The FIFA Executive Committee decided on Monday here that the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) will remain suspended instead of being expelled.
This follows changes in the government of Brunei Darussalam that provide a measure of hope that BAFA could be re-registered.
The executive agreed to recommend to the FIFA Congress the suspension of instead of an expulsion as previously envisaged, and to request the Congress to give the FIFA Executive Committee the competence to temporarily lift the suspension of BAFA until the 2011 FIFA Congress if BAFA is re-registered.
the-afc.com
This follows changes in the government of Brunei Darussalam that provide a measure of hope that BAFA could be re-registered.
The executive agreed to recommend to the FIFA Congress the suspension of instead of an expulsion as previously envisaged, and to request the Congress to give the FIFA Executive Committee the competence to temporarily lift the suspension of BAFA until the 2011 FIFA Congress if BAFA is re-registered.
the-afc.com
21 April 2010
Football czar: All good on the local front
SINCE the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD) officially took over the reins of Brunei football, it has received a luke warm response from the public.
The negative criticism has largely come on the back of the international football ban, imposed by the International Federation of Football Association (Fifa) at its executive committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sept 29.
However, FFBD's secretary-general, Sheikh Nordin Sheikh Mohamad, would like football fans to understand that the federation has nothing to do whith what happened in Rio.
"Our hands are tied regarding the subject. We are only involved in football and the ban is beyond our jurisdiction," said Sheikh Nordin.
"Those decisions were done by the relevant authorities and we have to respect that. Until there are any changes, FFBD will continue to run football in the country," said the secretary-general.
And it is not like the new football body has been merely sitting on its hands. So far, the federation has successfully run the U-14 National League, U-16 National League, DST Group Brunei Premier League (BPL) I/II, Champions' Cup, DST Group Brunei League Cup and the DST Group Brunei FA Cup in its very first year in charge.
"I have to thank our sponsors for making this season a success. Without the financial support of our main sponsor, DST Group and not to mention Brunei Shell Petroleum Company and Brunei LNG, it would not have been possible," said Sheikh Nordin.
Officially set up on Jan 14 last year, FFBD was formed by local football enthusiasts who had development in mind.
"We had a strong setup from the start. FFBD president and vice-president, Dato Paduka Hj Md Hamid Hj Md Jaafar and Hj Salleh Bustamam Hj Zainal Abidin respectively are both individuals that want to see the Sultanate become a force to be reckoned with in football. Even Hj Md Rosanan Abdullah Samak, Liew Chuan Fue and others, who were among the 1999 Malaysia Cup winners, have jumped on the bandwagon. If they didn't believe in our vision, this won't have been possible."
The secretary-general went on to outlay his plans for the upcoming season.
"Currently we are wondering whether import players should still be allowed. There is no point if only one team can afford them. It's causing an imbalance within the league and we would like it to be fair for all. These are changes that are made to improve the overall quality of the league. The matter is not finalised yet though but if it does come into effect, it would be in the forthcoming season," said Sheikh Nordin.
If the rule does come to fruition, it would be detrimental for QAF FC. The three-times BPL I champions will be forced out of the services of Cameroonian Viban Francis Bayong, the BPL I top-scorer for the last three years running.
"We will also be holding a Futsal league at the end of the year. Originally planned for last year, FFBD weren't able to run it due to the time constraint and we weren't able to secure a venue yet," he said.
On the topic of referees, Sheikh Nordin acknowledged there were room for improvements.
"It would be better if there were more quality referees that are well versed in the laws of the game. That is why FFBD we are working hard to have better relations with match officials," said Sheikh Nordin.
As the FIFA World Cup is going to be the biggest football tournament this year, FFBD also plans to hold a World Cup-themed competition.
"In conjunction with the World Cup, FFBD will be hosting a football carnival for U-13 and U-10.
It will be held in conjunction with the school holidays. This is one of our efforts at developing football talent from a young age," said Sheikh Nordin.
The secretary-general then closed the interview by stating, "It is our very fervent hope that Fifa will lift the ban and recognise the federation soon. If they could only witness what FFBD have accomplished in it's debut season. I believe Fifa only want the best for Brunei football and currently, with the effort FFBD have put into local football, we are on course toward that goal."
Brunei Times
The negative criticism has largely come on the back of the international football ban, imposed by the International Federation of Football Association (Fifa) at its executive committee meeting in Rio de Janeiro on Sept 29.
However, FFBD's secretary-general, Sheikh Nordin Sheikh Mohamad, would like football fans to understand that the federation has nothing to do whith what happened in Rio.
"Our hands are tied regarding the subject. We are only involved in football and the ban is beyond our jurisdiction," said Sheikh Nordin.
"Those decisions were done by the relevant authorities and we have to respect that. Until there are any changes, FFBD will continue to run football in the country," said the secretary-general.
And it is not like the new football body has been merely sitting on its hands. So far, the federation has successfully run the U-14 National League, U-16 National League, DST Group Brunei Premier League (BPL) I/II, Champions' Cup, DST Group Brunei League Cup and the DST Group Brunei FA Cup in its very first year in charge.
"I have to thank our sponsors for making this season a success. Without the financial support of our main sponsor, DST Group and not to mention Brunei Shell Petroleum Company and Brunei LNG, it would not have been possible," said Sheikh Nordin.
Officially set up on Jan 14 last year, FFBD was formed by local football enthusiasts who had development in mind.
"We had a strong setup from the start. FFBD president and vice-president, Dato Paduka Hj Md Hamid Hj Md Jaafar and Hj Salleh Bustamam Hj Zainal Abidin respectively are both individuals that want to see the Sultanate become a force to be reckoned with in football. Even Hj Md Rosanan Abdullah Samak, Liew Chuan Fue and others, who were among the 1999 Malaysia Cup winners, have jumped on the bandwagon. If they didn't believe in our vision, this won't have been possible."
The secretary-general went on to outlay his plans for the upcoming season.
"Currently we are wondering whether import players should still be allowed. There is no point if only one team can afford them. It's causing an imbalance within the league and we would like it to be fair for all. These are changes that are made to improve the overall quality of the league. The matter is not finalised yet though but if it does come into effect, it would be in the forthcoming season," said Sheikh Nordin.
If the rule does come to fruition, it would be detrimental for QAF FC. The three-times BPL I champions will be forced out of the services of Cameroonian Viban Francis Bayong, the BPL I top-scorer for the last three years running.
"We will also be holding a Futsal league at the end of the year. Originally planned for last year, FFBD weren't able to run it due to the time constraint and we weren't able to secure a venue yet," he said.
On the topic of referees, Sheikh Nordin acknowledged there were room for improvements.
"It would be better if there were more quality referees that are well versed in the laws of the game. That is why FFBD we are working hard to have better relations with match officials," said Sheikh Nordin.
As the FIFA World Cup is going to be the biggest football tournament this year, FFBD also plans to hold a World Cup-themed competition.
"In conjunction with the World Cup, FFBD will be hosting a football carnival for U-13 and U-10.
It will be held in conjunction with the school holidays. This is one of our efforts at developing football talent from a young age," said Sheikh Nordin.
The secretary-general then closed the interview by stating, "It is our very fervent hope that Fifa will lift the ban and recognise the federation soon. If they could only witness what FFBD have accomplished in it's debut season. I believe Fifa only want the best for Brunei football and currently, with the effort FFBD have put into local football, we are on course toward that goal."
Brunei Times
04 April 2010
01 April 2010
AFC offers alternative to avoid Brunei isolation
THE Asian Football Confederation yesterday suggested that Brunei has alternatives if it wants to remain a part of the global football community.
Though the first option is nothing new, the second is a bolt from the blue since the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) has always insisted that it is Bafa or nothing for them.
"The first option is that Bafa will continue to be the official member (and) it will nominate an interim body which Fifa will consider," AFC's Director of Communications & Media, Sean Tohidi, told the Brunei Times yesterday.
"Fifa will need to approve this interim body in consultation from AFC. The interim body will run the operation until the new board is elected.
"The second option is that a new organising body will need to officially apply to Fifa and AFC. Once it has been accepted as a "provisional member" it will have no voting rights for at least two years.
"Traditionally, the application is first accepted by Fifa and then considered by AFC but the application can be submitted simultaneously. "They (Brunei) have sent a letter to AFC announcing the formation of the new body. I am unsure if they have officially applied to become a member," added Tohidi.
Tohidi said that the second option was just as acceptable for Fifa and AFC, a move which must count as a major concession on their part. "What they (Fifa and AFC) want is what is best for football," said Tohidi. "That Brunei is represented ... Brunei in competitions," Tohidi said.
Though he wasn't aware of its existence, the "new body" that Tohidi was probably referring to was the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD). Having elected its members early last year, FFBD is recognised locally as the new controlling body for football in Brunei and has been organising national leagues at several age-groups, with the National Under-16 League coming to a close last Saturday and the DST Group Brunei FA Cup currently in its second round.
It might not be recognised by Fifa or AFC but that could be set to change. Article 3.9 of the AFC Statutes state that "Provisional" and "Associate" members shall be entitled to all the privileges of a Member Association except the right to vote at the Congress or the Extraordinary Congress and to hold office, meaning Brunei can be back in the international picture under FFBD.
Brunei Times
Though the first option is nothing new, the second is a bolt from the blue since the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) has always insisted that it is Bafa or nothing for them.
"The first option is that Bafa will continue to be the official member (and) it will nominate an interim body which Fifa will consider," AFC's Director of Communications & Media, Sean Tohidi, told the Brunei Times yesterday.
"Fifa will need to approve this interim body in consultation from AFC. The interim body will run the operation until the new board is elected.
"The second option is that a new organising body will need to officially apply to Fifa and AFC. Once it has been accepted as a "provisional member" it will have no voting rights for at least two years.
"Traditionally, the application is first accepted by Fifa and then considered by AFC but the application can be submitted simultaneously. "They (Brunei) have sent a letter to AFC announcing the formation of the new body. I am unsure if they have officially applied to become a member," added Tohidi.
Tohidi said that the second option was just as acceptable for Fifa and AFC, a move which must count as a major concession on their part. "What they (Fifa and AFC) want is what is best for football," said Tohidi. "That Brunei is represented ... Brunei in competitions," Tohidi said.
Though he wasn't aware of its existence, the "new body" that Tohidi was probably referring to was the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD). Having elected its members early last year, FFBD is recognised locally as the new controlling body for football in Brunei and has been organising national leagues at several age-groups, with the National Under-16 League coming to a close last Saturday and the DST Group Brunei FA Cup currently in its second round.
It might not be recognised by Fifa or AFC but that could be set to change. Article 3.9 of the AFC Statutes state that "Provisional" and "Associate" members shall be entitled to all the privileges of a Member Association except the right to vote at the Congress or the Extraordinary Congress and to hold office, meaning Brunei can be back in the international picture under FFBD.
Brunei Times
26 March 2010
Brunei dominate AFC Executive Committee meeting
Kuala Lumpur: The AFC Executive Committee met on Friday here at AFC House with the members discussing efforts to avert FIFA’s threatened expulsion of the Brunei Football Association (BAFA), and the amendment of AFC’s statutes in June’s AFC Extraordinary Congress in South Africa.
FIFA recently warned that BAFA, which is currently under suspension, could be expelled altogether from the world body because it was de-registered by the government in 2008 and replaced with another association.
FIFA wants BAFA to be re-registered by the June FIFA Congress in South Africa.
Member Junji Ogura, of Japan, appealed to the AFC Executive Committee to help Brunei, saying: “It would be a pity for Asia if one of our members is expelled from football. It would be the first time for Asia. We have another two months (to avert it).”
AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam said AFC had met many times with key Brunei officials in an effort to resolve the issue - but without success.
After much discussion among members, it was agreed that AFC would make another attempt to convince the Brunei authorities to comply with FIFA’s demands.
AFC Vice-President Manilal Fernando suggested appealing to FIFA to delay any decision on Brunei until AFC has exhausted all avenues to reinstate BAFA.
The afc.com
FIFA recently warned that BAFA, which is currently under suspension, could be expelled altogether from the world body because it was de-registered by the government in 2008 and replaced with another association.
FIFA wants BAFA to be re-registered by the June FIFA Congress in South Africa.
Member Junji Ogura, of Japan, appealed to the AFC Executive Committee to help Brunei, saying: “It would be a pity for Asia if one of our members is expelled from football. It would be the first time for Asia. We have another two months (to avert it).”
AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam said AFC had met many times with key Brunei officials in an effort to resolve the issue - but without success.
After much discussion among members, it was agreed that AFC would make another attempt to convince the Brunei authorities to comply with FIFA’s demands.
AFC Vice-President Manilal Fernando suggested appealing to FIFA to delay any decision on Brunei until AFC has exhausted all avenues to reinstate BAFA.
The afc.com
21 March 2010
Minister refuses to comment on Bafa issue
Rasidah HAB
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports refused to talk about the issue of the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam's (Bafa) deregistration yesterday.
Despite being asked to answer the question of what was being done to resolve the current ban imposed by Fifa at LegCo, considered by many to be the national's public forum, Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat said that talks between "the relevant parties" were ongoing.
He added that the discussions were "sensitive" and "delicate", and did not elaborate further.
The question was posed by Dato Paduka Hj Puasa Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Tudin at the seventh day of the current State Legislative Council session.
Dato Paduka Hj Puasa, who described himself as an avid observer and fan of football, said he wanted to know what had been done since the dissolution of Bafa.
He also raised his concern that, considering the Fifa ban, Brunei should be more concerned and more careful with matters related to sports laws and regulations, not only in football, but also in other sports.
"It is enough for me to say that whatever the solution is, it will not go against the law of Brunei Darussalam," said the minister, adding that the situation required a solution that is "acceptable for all".
"The dissolution of Bafa by the Registrar of Societies on November 15, 2008 is due to Bafa's own failure to fulfil the requirements of the law in Brunei," he said.
"Bafa through Article 37 in its own constitution admitted that the Registrar of Societies has the right to dissolve Bafa," he added.
With the dissolution of Bafa, Brunei lost its right to compete in international football fixtures, as they are all sanctioned by Fifa.
"This does not benefit anyone," Pehin Dato Dr Hj Ahmad said. "Due to this, all relevant parties will continue to work towards discussion with the specific parties to reinstate Brunei's membership in Fifa.
"The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, with cooperation from several government agencies, hope that a solution can be achieved with Fifa that will enable Brunei to participate in football tournaments outside the country," he said, adding that the ministry will continue to seek solutions to expand and develop football for Brunei.
Meanwhile, football activities, programmes and tournaments are organised and managed by the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD), which is not recognised by Fifa.
The FFBD was registered on December 2008, as the new parent body legally sanctioned by the Brunei government to conduct football programmes and championships in Brunei.
The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports refused to talk about the issue of the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam's (Bafa) deregistration yesterday.
Despite being asked to answer the question of what was being done to resolve the current ban imposed by Fifa at LegCo, considered by many to be the national's public forum, Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat said that talks between "the relevant parties" were ongoing.
He added that the discussions were "sensitive" and "delicate", and did not elaborate further.
The question was posed by Dato Paduka Hj Puasa Orang Kaya Seri Pahlawan Tudin at the seventh day of the current State Legislative Council session.
Dato Paduka Hj Puasa, who described himself as an avid observer and fan of football, said he wanted to know what had been done since the dissolution of Bafa.
He also raised his concern that, considering the Fifa ban, Brunei should be more concerned and more careful with matters related to sports laws and regulations, not only in football, but also in other sports.
"It is enough for me to say that whatever the solution is, it will not go against the law of Brunei Darussalam," said the minister, adding that the situation required a solution that is "acceptable for all".
"The dissolution of Bafa by the Registrar of Societies on November 15, 2008 is due to Bafa's own failure to fulfil the requirements of the law in Brunei," he said.
"Bafa through Article 37 in its own constitution admitted that the Registrar of Societies has the right to dissolve Bafa," he added.
With the dissolution of Bafa, Brunei lost its right to compete in international football fixtures, as they are all sanctioned by Fifa.
"This does not benefit anyone," Pehin Dato Dr Hj Ahmad said. "Due to this, all relevant parties will continue to work towards discussion with the specific parties to reinstate Brunei's membership in Fifa.
"The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, with cooperation from several government agencies, hope that a solution can be achieved with Fifa that will enable Brunei to participate in football tournaments outside the country," he said, adding that the ministry will continue to seek solutions to expand and develop football for Brunei.
Meanwhile, football activities, programmes and tournaments are organised and managed by the Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam (FFBD), which is not recognised by Fifa.
The FFBD was registered on December 2008, as the new parent body legally sanctioned by the Brunei government to conduct football programmes and championships in Brunei.
The Brunei Times
Fifa warns of football banishment by June
Jason Thomas and Amir Amin
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
IN 1976, South Africa was the pariah of international sports because of its apartheid policies.
One of the final rubber stamps of disapproval coming from world football governing body, the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) that year, when they became the first country to be expelled from the association.
But changes were made, and come this June, the once-outcasts of global football will be hosting one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Also come this June, Brunei may be the second country to face the same risk of becoming lost in the football wilderness that befell South Africa 34 years ago, though the circumstances surrounding the Sultanate's possible banishment are far less serious.
In what might be the final twist of the knife in a drama which first began two years ago, Fifa on Friday announced that Brunei may be the first expulsion from the body since South Africa for 'political interference.'
Fifa warned that unless the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (Bafa) came to Fifa's Congress on June 9 and 10 in the southern most African nation without meeting its conditions for reinstatement, it would be expelled.
The only governing body for football in the country recognised by Fifa, Bafa was deregistered from the Registrar of Societies (RoS) on 15 Nov 2008 for failing to submit its activity and financial reports.
Bafa provided RoS the relevant documents to get reinstated on Dec 22, but the appeal was rejected.
It has been downhill ever since, with Fifa suspending Bafa on Sept 30 last year.
The Sultanate's involvement in the international arena came to a grinding halt, culminating in Brunei's only professional club, DPMM FC, being banned from playing in the Singapore League days later.
Fifa have repeatedly stressed that the only way Brunei can play international football is if Bafa is re-reinstated, with Fifa's Director of member associations Thierry Regenass making at least three trips to the country to resolve the matter last year.
Top on the list of his priorities was appointing an interim committee until Bafa got reinstated, but nothing came of it, even after meeting officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
"Brunei have not agreed to the road map Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation have proposed to them in order to reinstall the federation and to come back as a member of Fifa," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter when he announced the threat of Bafa's expulsion on Friday.
Calls to both FIFA's Director of member associations Thierry Regenass and AFC General Secretary Alex Soosay were not answered by press time.
With football so ingrained in Bruneian culture, it is no surprise that some football fans are disillusioned with the events that transpired up until now.
"Brunei just needs to grow up," said Amin Samid yesterday.
"I don't really know what the deal is between Fifa, FFBD (new ruling body Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam) and Bafa, but I do know that Brunei needs a change in attitude when it comes to sports," he added.
"They should just follow what Fifa wants as they are the world governing body of football," insisted Irwan Mohammad.
"I don't know why they don't want to comply with Fifa. Maybe I'm not the only one that doesn't as there are also others who don't exactly know what happened.
"Why aren't the relevant authorities doing something about it?," asked the teacher.
As it is, Brunei is not allowed to compete in any international games and is not eligible for funding from Fifa to run football in the country and to develop the sport.
In addition, Brunei will not be able host any Fifa courses and will not be able to attend any conferences, making it hard for the country to keep abreast of development in the international arena.
Also, any player, coach or agent who wants a relationship with the rest of the global football community will not come to Brunei because they risk being alienated by their home countries or associations.
"My honest answer? I think it is a total embarrassment, not only for the football fraternity in Brunei but the whole sports fraternity in Brunei," said a Malaysian football fanatic.
"This is all a lacklustre display by the officials mandated to carry out their responsibly, and who unfortunately, didn't carry them out. "A series of human technical errors has resulted in the disruption of football in Brunei," he said in conclusion.
His view was shared by a manager of a local football club, who was aware why Fifa won't budge unless its demands are met.
"The people here have to understand why Fifa won't compromise," he said.
"We are dealing with an association that has more members than the United Nations. They cannot make an exception for Brunei.
"Every Tom, Dick and Harry will start forming their own associations or federations, and how can Fifa run like that?
"International organisations like these will not back down to any political pressure. They can't afford to, if not they cannot function," he added.
In the end, Qamaruzzaman Hj Affandy said it the best.
"The ban will be detrimental to the future of Brunei's football. How can we grow without exposure?" said the student.
The Brunei Times
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
IN 1976, South Africa was the pariah of international sports because of its apartheid policies.
One of the final rubber stamps of disapproval coming from world football governing body, the International Federation of Association Football (Fifa) that year, when they became the first country to be expelled from the association.
But changes were made, and come this June, the once-outcasts of global football will be hosting one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Also come this June, Brunei may be the second country to face the same risk of becoming lost in the football wilderness that befell South Africa 34 years ago, though the circumstances surrounding the Sultanate's possible banishment are far less serious.
In what might be the final twist of the knife in a drama which first began two years ago, Fifa on Friday announced that Brunei may be the first expulsion from the body since South Africa for 'political interference.'
Fifa warned that unless the Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (Bafa) came to Fifa's Congress on June 9 and 10 in the southern most African nation without meeting its conditions for reinstatement, it would be expelled.
The only governing body for football in the country recognised by Fifa, Bafa was deregistered from the Registrar of Societies (RoS) on 15 Nov 2008 for failing to submit its activity and financial reports.
Bafa provided RoS the relevant documents to get reinstated on Dec 22, but the appeal was rejected.
It has been downhill ever since, with Fifa suspending Bafa on Sept 30 last year.
The Sultanate's involvement in the international arena came to a grinding halt, culminating in Brunei's only professional club, DPMM FC, being banned from playing in the Singapore League days later.
Fifa have repeatedly stressed that the only way Brunei can play international football is if Bafa is re-reinstated, with Fifa's Director of member associations Thierry Regenass making at least three trips to the country to resolve the matter last year.
Top on the list of his priorities was appointing an interim committee until Bafa got reinstated, but nothing came of it, even after meeting officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
"Brunei have not agreed to the road map Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation have proposed to them in order to reinstall the federation and to come back as a member of Fifa," said Fifa president Sepp Blatter when he announced the threat of Bafa's expulsion on Friday.
Calls to both FIFA's Director of member associations Thierry Regenass and AFC General Secretary Alex Soosay were not answered by press time.
With football so ingrained in Bruneian culture, it is no surprise that some football fans are disillusioned with the events that transpired up until now.
"Brunei just needs to grow up," said Amin Samid yesterday.
"I don't really know what the deal is between Fifa, FFBD (new ruling body Football Federation of Brunei Darussalam) and Bafa, but I do know that Brunei needs a change in attitude when it comes to sports," he added.
"They should just follow what Fifa wants as they are the world governing body of football," insisted Irwan Mohammad.
"I don't know why they don't want to comply with Fifa. Maybe I'm not the only one that doesn't as there are also others who don't exactly know what happened.
"Why aren't the relevant authorities doing something about it?," asked the teacher.
As it is, Brunei is not allowed to compete in any international games and is not eligible for funding from Fifa to run football in the country and to develop the sport.
In addition, Brunei will not be able host any Fifa courses and will not be able to attend any conferences, making it hard for the country to keep abreast of development in the international arena.
Also, any player, coach or agent who wants a relationship with the rest of the global football community will not come to Brunei because they risk being alienated by their home countries or associations.
"My honest answer? I think it is a total embarrassment, not only for the football fraternity in Brunei but the whole sports fraternity in Brunei," said a Malaysian football fanatic.
"This is all a lacklustre display by the officials mandated to carry out their responsibly, and who unfortunately, didn't carry them out. "A series of human technical errors has resulted in the disruption of football in Brunei," he said in conclusion.
His view was shared by a manager of a local football club, who was aware why Fifa won't budge unless its demands are met.
"The people here have to understand why Fifa won't compromise," he said.
"We are dealing with an association that has more members than the United Nations. They cannot make an exception for Brunei.
"Every Tom, Dick and Harry will start forming their own associations or federations, and how can Fifa run like that?
"International organisations like these will not back down to any political pressure. They can't afford to, if not they cannot function," he added.
In the end, Qamaruzzaman Hj Affandy said it the best.
"The ban will be detrimental to the future of Brunei's football. How can we grow without exposure?" said the student.
The Brunei Times
20 March 2010
Football: FIFA may expel Brunei, says Blatter
ZURICH: FIFA President Sepp Blatter warned on Friday that Brunei was in danger of being expelled from world football in a dispute over alleged government interference in the sport.
"The federation of Brunei have not agreed to a roadmap FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation have proposed," Blatter told journalists after a meeting of the world governing body's executive committee.
He warned that unless they came to FIFA's congress on June 9 and 10 in South Africa having met the conditions for reinstatement "it will be the second time.. that FIFA had to expel a federation."
The Football Association of Brunei (BAFA) was suspended from international football in September 2009.
The other expulsion in recent history was South Africa, which was thrown out in 1976 under the former apartheid regime. - AFP/de
Channel News Asia
"The federation of Brunei have not agreed to a roadmap FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation have proposed," Blatter told journalists after a meeting of the world governing body's executive committee.
He warned that unless they came to FIFA's congress on June 9 and 10 in South Africa having met the conditions for reinstatement "it will be the second time.. that FIFA had to expel a federation."
The Football Association of Brunei (BAFA) was suspended from international football in September 2009.
The other expulsion in recent history was South Africa, which was thrown out in 1976 under the former apartheid regime. - AFP/de
Channel News Asia
19 March 2010
Expulsion of BAFA
"The executive also agreed to submit to the next FIFA Congress the expulsion of The Football Association of Brunei Darussalam (BAFA) if the BAFA has not been reinstated by then, after noting that no major progress had been made since the BAFA was suspended in September 2009."
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