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Now that the curtain has closed on the FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa, www.Islandstats.com spoke with the Bermuda Football Association’s General Secretary David Sabir about his involvement in the Tournament. Today we bring you Part Three of a Three Part Interview.
Q. What are some of your other international roles?
A. I have been very fortunate to be a member of FIFA’s Stadium and Security Committee, FIFA Match Commissioner, FIFA Security Officer and Chairman of CONCACAF’s Disciplinary Committee. I have had the honor of being a Match Commissioner and or Security Officer for some important matches in the CONCACAF and CFU region, including Olympic and World Cup qualifying matches, CONCACAF Gold Cup and CAC Games Final Tournament. I have inspected stadiums for FIFA ahead of the last World Cup Qualifying period throughout the Caribbean and Africa and adjudicated over disciplinary matters in the region.
Q. What else do you want the General Public to know about David Sabir’s experience at the World Cup?
A. Again, I must stress it was a huge honor to be involved. I am humbled by what I assume is FIFA and CONCACAF’s faith and trust in my ability to operate at the international level. I am extremely grateful for the support given to me by the BFA President, Executive Council and my Administrative Staff colleagues for allowing me to represent them and Bermuda generally at the international level. Most importantly, however, I give a great big thank you to my family for supporting me every step of the way. Let me add that in addition to my duties as FIFA Security Officer, I also continued with my duties as BFA General Secretary during the World Cup with the added benefit of the five hour time difference between South Africa and Bermuda. This meant that I was only able to get between 3 and 5 hours sleep each night. As stated, I was not in South Africa on holiday so at times combined with the higher than Bermuda altitude some days provided a bit of a challenge. Let me conclude by saying this is not about David Sabir but about another Bermudian who when given the opportunity to excel international can do so with great competence. This is also about inspiring people, young and old, to realize that not everyone can be a great player on the field but they can contribute to the successful operation of any activity; no matter what industry or activity it may be! This is also a tribute to persons such as Dr. Gerard Bean who I believe was the first Bermudian to officiate at a FIFA World Cup Final Tournament as well as all others who have contributed to Bermuda’s success on the international stage. That being said, I say thanks to FIFA, South Africa, BFA and Bermuda for a successful experience!
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