Former Bermuda Football Association (BFA) President Larry Mussenden is preparing to depart for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Mussenden is the Chairman of the FIFA Appeals Committee and therefore has a major responsibility during the games to oversee and protect the rules Governing the game.
www.islandstats.com asked Mussenden a few questions about his role as Chairman and also about what he this about the current state of Bermuda Football both on the Field and Off. Today we bring you Part One of a Three Part Interview with Mussenden
Q. With the World Cup spread over South Africa, where would you be situated and how do you judge issues or incidents in another part of South Africa that could be two to three hours away?
A. I will be based in Johannesburg at FIFA HQ. All appeal matters will be handled there. All matters go through the Disciplinary Committee first. The Appeals Committee will hear any appeals from their decisions. As per the FIFA Disciplinary Code - available at FIFA.COM - we will rely on the match officials' reports and any other available evidence such as video footage - often from numerous angles and distances. We apply the Laws of the Game, our experience and judgment to determine the appeals.
Q. Do you ever feel any pressure when dealing with these issues, knowing that the World watching to judge your decision?
A. The FIFA Committees and members have vast experience and there is substantial jurisprudence and precedent cases to rely upon. We follow the principles of justice so we close our eyes to who is involved as we consider the law and facts and make a determination.
Q. Even though you are not still a part of the BFA, how do you feel about representing Bermuda at the World Cup?
A. I have always been proud to represent Bermuda in football and in law. Our country is well respected on the international stage for administration of various sports and other disciplines. We are lucky that most people know something good about Bermuda - its beauty and its people. So I tell everyone they should come and visit!
