The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) held a Special Congress Meeting on Monday, March 15th, with its Member Clubs to address the resumption of the 2020/21 football season.
BFA President Mark Wade reminded delegates that the BFA Executive Council spent several months in discussion with the Bermuda Government, through the departments of Health, Youth, Sports and Recreation, and National Security, and we're fully prepared to proceed with the resumption of football, after being granted permission to enter Stage 4 of the Return to Play Guidelines and granted a Large Group Exemption by the Ministry of National Security.
www.islandstats.com has had the first opportunity to speak with the Bermuda Football Association President Mark Wade and the 1st Vice president and Chairman of Leagues and Competition Shannon Burgess to get some insight into the decision made last night by the affiliates.
The Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sports, Dr. Ernest Peets, was in attendance at the Special Congress Meeting and expressed the Government’s support of the return of football.
During the Special Congress Meeting, the Competitions, Youth, and Women’s Committee outlined the blueprint on the resumption of football. After receiving a motion from the floor of the Congress, the decision to end the 2020/21 football season was passed by a vote of 11-10 with one abstention.
Another vote to void the 2020/21 season was passed, however, any completed competitions will stand.
The BFA Competitions Committee has confirmed that, as directed by the Congress, the Premier and First Division 2020/21 season has been declared void. Southampton Rangers remain the champions of the Charity Cup, and Devonshire Cougars will remain champions of the Dudley Eve Tournament.
The Youth Committee has confirmed that children’s football has also been canceled. This includes Under 5, Under 7, Under 9, and Under 11.
As directed by Congress, Youth Football (Under 13, Under 15, and Under 17) will proceed with Round Robin Tournaments to determine a champion.
The Women’s Committee has also confirmed that, as directed by Congress, the All-Girls’ League will proceed with Round Robin Tournaments for Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, and Under 17 to determine champions.
Member Clubs were also advised of the next edition of club licensing, which under FIFA and CONCACAF, aims to strengthen the administrative, operational, and future developments of all BFA member clubs.
The BFA’s 2021-2022 budget was presented and amendments to the BASBEC policy were also passed during the meeting.
