CFU News - STATEMENT BY MEMBERS OF CONCACAF IN RESPONSE TO MCBETH'S REMARKS

CONCACAF STATEMENT

NEW YORK (Monday, 28 May 2007) - CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football) has issued the following statement today:

Statement

By Members of CONCACAF

28 May 2007

 

Re: Recent Media Articles by John McBeth, British Vice-President of FIFA

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The President, Executive and Members of CONCACAF are genuinely disturbed and disappointed to hear of recent media reports quoting extensively the remarks of John McBeth in relation to his appointment as British Vice-President of FIFA.

The Members of CONCACAF stand united in their views that the statements of Mr. McBeth are both malicious and defamatory. Further, it is quite clear from his sensational phrases, unsubstantiated claims and pure bigotry that Mr. McBeth sought to intentionally damage the good reputation of FIFA, its President Mr. Sepp Blatter, President of CONCACAF and FIFA Vice-President Mr. Jack Warner, the African nations and the Caribbean nations.

Mr. McBeth was elected by the British nations to represent them on the FIFA Executive. His service on the Executive was for the purpose of promoting the game of football at the highest level and in all regions of the world. Instead, Mr. McBeth has chosen to embarrass those British nations, all of whom have a very productive and genuine relationship with the nations of CONCACAF. Further, he has undermined himself in the eyes of the family of football. His wide-ranging, deplorable and blatant false statements and opinions demonstrate that he took a calculated risk in insulting and defaming various entities and organizations in the world of football.

CONCACAF recognizes the actions taken earlier today by FIFA to refer the matter to the Ethics Committee. This is a necessary step in order for the matter to be clarified and properly dealt with.

However, the Executive and Members of CONCACAF again stand united in stating that Mr. McBeth is not worthy of representing the British nations at FIFA, neither is he worthy of taking a seat on the FIFA Executive. We call upon the British nations to revoke immediately the appointment of Mr. McBeth.

Further, we submit that if Mr. McBeth has any honour or integrity then he should do the honourable thing and resign his position as the nominated British Vice-President of FIFA.

The Members of CONCACAF call upon him to so resign.