Pariah, descipable or cowardly trait?

Is it a pariah, despicable or cowardly trait in the majority of us to hit a man when he is in controversy? When a individual is thriving, hitting the big time making a name for himself and bringing honour to the game or country, he spurns the green eyed and the jealous.

But these very individuals in the presence of the man hitting the big time, they will sing his praises, scrounge on him and enrich their life styles.

But their ingratitude is shown when the individual is in controversy They would go to any lengths to bring the person down and disown him.

Take the case of Vernon Manilal Fernando. Now here was a man, who from the time he took to being the big boss of football, did marvels for the game, the player and the administration.

Hitherto un-enjoyed status

He gave everything connected with the game an hitherto un-enjoyed status. For the cause of football and administrators and the players from nothing he made something and more happen for the betterment of the game.

Watching from the side lines, he was aware of the hardships the players were suffering to stay and continue in the game.

When the Football Federation of Sri Lanka seemed to be slipping for want of men with courage, honesty and the determination to work, to resurrect it, Manilal Fernando was brought into the scene by his dear friend J.S.N. Anandaraj who was the a senior member of FFSL.

Anandaraja spotted Fernando's capabilities --- the manner in which Fernando was doing wonders for Blue Start Sports Club in Kalutara and the Kalutara District Football Association.

Dear friend of mine

Anandaraja who is sadly no more - god rest his soul - was a dear friend of mine. He had the rare knack of spotting the good or bad of an individual at first sight. When he first spotted Fernando he knew he had spotted the Sri Lankan messiah of football.

When in the company of the writer, Anandaraja first broached the subject of contesting for the post of President of the FFSL to Fernando, he showed reluctance. But with Anandaraja coaxing him, he agreed but was a bit apprehensive.

I was one of the few who went round led by Anandaraja canvassing for votes and extremely interesting was our visit to Jaffna and meeting the king pin of football in Jaffna Dr. Philips.

But to cut the cackle and get down to business, came AGM time of the FFSL and Fernando's opponent for the post of President of FFSL was DIG Herbert Weerasinghe backed by V. Arumugam who was then the power behind the throne. It was a fiery no quarter asked or given contest and in beating Weerasinghe by two votes, Fernando shocked the local soccer world, because never before had a contestant put forward and backed by Arumugam had lost.

Insensible FIFA officials

Fernando who had played the game for Tissa Central, Kalutara, immediately put on his scoring boots and up to the time of giving his all attempting to bring in Bin Mohammed Hammam to the top seat of President FIFA and falling foul of some insensible FIFA officials he did wonders for the player, the game and the administration here.

His accomplishments is a story by itself, but suffice to say that being an Attorney at Law, it did not take long for him to win the hearts of the Asian Football Confederation officials and get elected as a Vice President. Now that was an epoch making effort. Never before had an official of the local body attained that high office.

Footballers and football fans gave him a hero's welcome gathering in their numbers at the Airport on his arrival. Not satisfied with that, and catching the eye of the big boss of world football Sepp Blatter who saw Fernando's talent and ability to do things for the game in the Asian and international scene had him in the Legal Committee of FIFA and later in the Executive Committee.

But when Blatter had said enough is enough after serving for long and that he would not be contesting the big seat, Fernando threw his lot with the Asian big chief Hammam. But hey presto, the Swiss Blatter who was uncertain towards the twilight of his administrative career, had a change of heart and mind and said he would be having another go for the top post.

False allegations

But Fernando who is not one who will sell his soul for 30 pieces of silver, did not change his stance, but stood by his dear friend Hammam which finally led to false allegations being made which finally led to his downfall. The Ethics Committee of FIFA first banned him for eight years. And on appeal which is the right of all found guilty, he was inexplicably banned for life from the game. It stunned Fernando and his legal eagles.

But Fernando who is accused of corruption is not one who will bend forwards or backwards to satisfy his masters to go places or enrich his life style. He is one who is born with the silver spoon in his mouth and he has no need. But Fernando who will not throw in the towel until he has received justice, says that he has so far received only the terms of the decision of the FIFA Appeal Committee. Though not surprised, he is very disturbed by it.

Originally, the FIFA Adjudicatory Chamber led by Judge Ekert handed down only an 8-year ban, for the same charges. Garcia who had appealed against the principle of self incrimination (a charge that the Adjudicatory Chamber led by Judge Ekert had acquitted Fernando) and for the enhancement of the 8-year ban.

Right of appeal

Fernando feels that a life ban has now been handed down as deterrent for Fernando excising his right of appeal within the FIFA process. Fernando feels that a life ban on him is unfair and harsh.

On legal advice Fernando has no alternative but appeal against this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) an independent tribunal outside the FIFA process. Fernando is confident that he will be able to receive justice before CAS.

Fernando was represented by Hodge Malek, Queen's Counsel of UK, Anil Tittawela, President's Counsel of Sri Lanka, Andrew Tabachnik, Barrister of UK, instructed by Nithi Murugesu.

The moment the life ban for Fernando was announced there was rejoicing by his enemies at the Football Board and outside. These are the ones he brought to football and made something out of nothing. That is gratitude for you.

Will not look back

Instead of rallying round him in his moment of misfortune, the very ones he helped are skinning, scourging condemning him. Some are even trying to lynch him here cocking up false allegations. One of the big wigs in the FFSL has even promised that he will not look back until he sends Fernando to jail.

This is the same empty vessel whom Fernando rescued after an assault and who has no football back ground who is barking. While Fernando will continue to hold his head high along with his conscience, this is a clear and sad example in sports administration where people rejoice in putting a man down when in fact they should stand by him given all that he has done to uplift the sport.

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