Minister Denies Meddling in GFF Elections
Georgian Minister for Culture, Sports and Protection of Historic Monuments Giorgi Gabashvili ruled out ?any political interference? in the elections of the President of Georgian Football Federation (GFF).
On May 13 Giorgi Nemsadze resigned as president of the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) just a few hours after being elected to the position at a GFF session. This fact has triggered speculations over the government?s possible pressure on him.
?Top governmental officials have never fixed their likes or dislikes openly, so that it could have influenced the elections,? Gabashvili told reporters.
Nemsadze has defeated ex-President Nodar Akhalkatsi, who was running for re-election and sports reporter Mamuka Kvaratskhelia. Minister of Culture Gabashvili, Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava and influential lawmaker from the ruling party Giga Bokeria were apparently in favor of Akhalkatsi?s re-election, while another group, involving MP Davit Kirkitadze, also from the ruling party, were pushing for Nemsadze?s candidacy.
An extraordinary congress of the Georgian Football Federation is scheduled for May 17. A term of registration of candidates expires today, however nobody has yet officially expressed willingness to participate in the elections.
A UEFA delegate has already arrived in Tbilisi to observe the tomorrow?s elections.
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