THE GUYANA Football Federation (GFF) has officially protested to FIFA concerning the selection of Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Andre Boucaud for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier between the two Caribbean countries on March 25th at the Pan American Stadium, Dominican Republic.
The letter was sent April 23rd and was labelled GFF Petitions FIFA Over Trinidad & Tobago player Boucaud.
The press release stated, “The GFF believes Boucaud was ineligible for selection as a registered intermediary and, as such, any points secured by TT during any related FIFA World Cup qualification matches should be forfeited.”
“In its 2022 World Cup qualification match on March 25th, Guyana lost 3-0 to Trinidad and Tobago. Boucaud, who was registered as an intermediary with the English Football Association at the time, was selected in TT’s match day squad.”
The release added, “Under FIFA rules, all conflicts of interest with intermediaries or agents must be avoided. Intermediaries cannot have any contractual relationship with a national football association. Under English Football Association rules, players cannot be registered intermediaries.”
Wayne Forde, president of the GFF said, “We have taken this matter very seriously and have presented our findings to FIFA that this individual was ineligible to play for TT as a registered intermediary with the English FA.
Forde continued,”It is vital for the integrity and fairness of the game that the rules are respected and upheld by everyone. We look forward to FIFA’s response in due course.”
The 36- year-old, Boucaud has 48 caps for the Soca Warriors scoring two goals. He did not see action in the 3-0 victory over Guyana but was a substitute against Puerto Rico in a 1-1 draw three days later. He was an instrumental player in the midfield under former coach Stephan Hart but fell out of favour with Coach Dennis Lawrence.
St. Kitts & Nevis lead the five-team table in Group F with a maximum of six points from two matches following victories over Puerto Rico and Bahamas. The Soca Warriors are now in second place with four points (one win, one draw) while Guyana is third with 3 points following a victory over Bahamas. Puerto Rico are fourth with one point from two games and Bahamas are at the bottom with no points.
