Dear Mr Editor,
It is with deep shock sadness that i acknowledge the poor defeat of the Gambias under 20s at the hands of gallant Austria.I would ask calm to be the order of the day amongst all faithful and disapointed supporters.We shall regroup and restore the balance in the near future.
I have.... as a respect to my close and respected friend Samba Faal,kept out of the internal sporting affairs of the nation.Even though my heart was broken at the news that he had been unbelievably, ejected from his office as the Mentor of Youth, Sports and Religious affairs.His loyalty to myself and the children of The Gambia,over many long years has been a credit and a blessing to the nation.
With some little assistance from my offices,Mr Faal had been a beacon of integrity through his many meetings with leading Sports organisations throughout Britain.I enclose a personal letter of support from Mr.Arsene Wenger,with whom Mr.Faal enjoyed a very successful and rewarding relationship.They admired him so much that they offered 18,000 seats from the former Highbury Stadium free of charge, intended for the Independant Stadium at Bachau.Even though there were willing buyers from Rumania and other committed sporting nations.Sadly,Mr Faye,nor The President,ever replied to the requests from my office to arrange shipment.Mr Faal, out of position, was unable to respond.
I have letters from his office confirming The gambias willingness to take up this offer.Again ,as a mark of respect .i was left with the task of explaining to Arsenal,my deep regret at the unfortunate position.Although this debacle cost Arsenal much in lost time as they moved to the New Emirates Stadium.they have never once complained and continue to send me there best wishes towards any further development of football in The Gambia.
I have already explained on previous issues of the Freedom Newspaper of my heavy personal financial interest in Gambian Sports ,over many years. My donation to Freedom for there sports coverage is in line of my ongoing personal committment to the children of The Gambia.....In April 2004, i freely signed a Memorandum of Articles with the National Sports Council of the Gambia, to act as a Sports Ambassador to Europe for The Gambia.I believe i have discharged that freely signed obligation,to the nation to the best of my considerable ability.
It is highly remembered by dignatories of my local community, Mr.Faals visit to our local Town Council, as a V.I.P. guest and was given the right to record his visit in our visitors book, which bares the signature of Her Majesty The Queen.It was hereby noted , with personal pride ,how warmly he was recieved ,and also how very impressed our Town Mayor was with his impeccable manners and his respect and honour to our community proceedings.
In September 2002,he led a delegation to Manchester United,including The Presidents personal secretary and other leading Gambians....Manchester United recorded, the good manners and respect of all concerned in a letter of recommendation to myself.
Whilst i appreciate and respect,all decisions of His Excellancy The President,As I have honestly tried to come to his aid by providing excuses and fair and unbiased opinion for all manner of disputes.I can not further support the destruction of The Gambias sporting aspirations.Unless there is a considerable shift in progress on issues concerning Human Rights and unlawful detention and arrest without trial.I hereby give ....notice of my refusal to support any position further.
I remain yours most respectfully.....Michael V. Scales.
ARSENALSTADIUM
HIGHBURY,LONDONNS lBU
TELEPHONE:+44 (0)20 7i
FAX:+44(0)207704
'
E-MAIL:
info@arsenal.
Ref: AWjsh
March 2006
May I take this opportunity,
on behalf of everyone at Arsenal
Football Club, to extend our warmest greetings to our friend, The
Honourable Secretary of State The Rt. Hon Mr. Samba Faa!.
We also wish you a successful Soccer Tournament
at Gunjur City
and hope to continue our good association with The Gambia and
the development of football.
I would also like to say hello and thank you to the many faithful
Arsenal fans we have in the Gambia
-
we look forward to their
continued loyal support.
With best wishes,
!.....................
Arsene Wenger
MANAGER