Football - SFF appoints Gerry Sopha as media consultant |19 November 2019

With the rapid decline in the level of local football, the Seychelles Football Federation recently came up with one of the weirdest of decisions which is nowhere near a possible solution, let alone the source of the problem.

Gerry Sopha, who calls himself an independent sports journalist, is now the new media consultant of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF), following the signing of his contract on Wednesday November 13, 2019.

According to Mr Sopha, the post of media consultant (‘independent sports service provider’) was advertised by the local football governing body as part of its effort to disseminate information regarding the federation, all in line with transparency, to avoid allegations and misconception.

He added that football is not only the business of the federation, the executive committee and the secretariat, but for everyone who is interested in the sport.

Still according to Mr Sopha, based on his background as an ‘independent sports journalist’ for a local radio station, he managed to convince the SFF that he is the ideal candidate for the job.

As part of his tasks, Mr Sopha will be responsible to develop media contacts, inform the press and members of the public about events and initiatives and also promote the image and reputation of the SFF by refuting negative publicity.

Speaking about the appointment, secretary general of the SFF Georges Bibi noted that the main role of Mr Sopha is to propagate information about the federation, only after receiving official approval from the SFF.

He explained that Mr Sopha is a service provider and he is not a direct employee of the SFF.

Mr Bibi added that other than liaising with the different local media houses, Mr Sopha will also be the federation’s social media officer, in which capacity he will be responsible to post information and promote the SFF on social media.

He also added that Mr Sopha’s post will not interfere with the tasks of the existing communications officer of the SFF, Yanick Eugenie.

Mr Bibi also made it clear that as a service provider, Mr Sopha represents the work of the SFF, acting as the point of contact for members of the press and other media representatives.

Roland Duval