Team Falconz released a press statement on June 13, 2026, clarifying its decision not to participate in the "GFF Presidential Candidates’ Debate" organized by the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG). The statement, published on June 15, 2026, explained that their boycott was rooted in principle. Team Falconz stated, "Our decision is rooted in principle and does not reflect an unwillingness to engage with the football community or subject our vision to public scrutiny." The team argued that such events during an electoral process "must be coordinated through the appropriate structures of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF)" to ensure transparency and equal treatment for all candidates.
Reasons For Non-Attendance
Team Falconz clarified its decision not to participate in the "GFF Presidential Candidates’ Debate," stating their choice was "rooted in principle and does not reflect an unwillingness to engage with the football community or subject our vision to public scrutiny." The team cited "Lack of Institutional Coordination" as a primary reason for its non-attendance. Team Falconz asserted that "events of such significance during an electoral process must be coordinated through the appropriate structures of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF)" to ensure transparency and equal treatment for all candidates.
The team stated its understanding that "the organisers did not formally consult the GFF or, the GFF Electoral Committee to include the event in the official electoral calendar." This, they argued, meant the event lacked the necessary procedural safeguards for a level playing field. Additionally, Team Falconz raised "Concerns Regarding Neutrality" as a reason for its absence.
Team Falconz expressed serious reservations about the event's impartiality, noting that "key individuals involved in the organisation and promotion of the debate are publicly perceived to be aligned with a specific candidate." These circumstances, the team claimed, "inevitably compromise the impartiality and credibility of the platform." Team Falconz concluded that participation in such an event "would risk lending legitimacy to a process whose neutrality is in question."
Commitment To Engagement
Team Falconz stated it remains committed to engaging stakeholders through credible and transparent platforms, despite its decision to boycott the debate. The team clarified its stance, explaining, "Team Falconz wishes to clarify the reasons behind its decision not to participate in the 'GFF Presidential Candidates’ Debate' organised by the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG)." It further noted, "Our decision is rooted in principle and does not reflect an unwillingness to engage with the football community or subject our vision to public scrutiny."
The team emphasized its belief that "events of such significance during an electoral process must be coordinated through the appropriate structures of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF)," which it said "ensures transparency and equal treatment for all candidates." According to Team Falconz, "Our understanding is that the organisers did not formally consult the GFF or, the GFF Electoral Committee to include the event in the official electoral calendar," leading to a lack of "procedural safeguards necessary to ensure a level playing field."
Team Falconz also expressed "serious reservations regarding the neutrality of the event," stating, "It has become apparent that key individuals involved in the organisation and promotion of the debate are publicly perceived to be aligned with a specific candidate. Such circumstances inevitably compromise the impartiality and credibility of the platform." Team Falconz concluded that participation "would risk lending legitimacy to a process whose neutrality is in question," adding, "Our campaign is founded on integrity, fairness, and a genuine desire to advance Gambian football." The team thanked its supporters and the wider football community for their confidence.
Context Of The Debate
The "GFF Presidential Candidates’ Debate" was organized by the Sports Journalists Association of The Gambia (SJAG). Team Falconz, a group participating in the electoral process, released a statement detailing its decision to boycott the event. The team contended that the debate lacked institutional coordination, asserting that such significant events during an electoral period should be managed through the official structures of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF). Team Falconz stated that its understanding was that the organizers did not formally consult the GFF or its Electoral Committee to include the event in the official electoral calendar. This omission, according to Team Falconz, meant the debate lacked the necessary procedural safeguards to ensure a level playing field for all candidates.
Concerns were also raised regarding the event's neutrality. Team Falconz noted that "key individuals involved in the organisation and promotion of the debate are publicly perceived to be aligned with a specific candidate." The team indicated that these circumstances "inevitably compromise the impartiality and credibility of the platform." Consequently, Team Falconz concluded that participation in the debate "would risk lending legitimacy to a process whose neutrality is in question." The team emphasized that its decision was "rooted in principle" and did not reflect an unwillingness to engage with the football community or subject its vision to public scrutiny.
