There is a movement within the WFA to have closer ties with the UK’s “Football Association” (FA) which regulates the highly lucrative (standard) professional and amateur versions of the game. The FA exists to commercialise and exploit the game of football – and Paul Carr (and his supporters) are afraid that if the FA are allowed to penetrate the internal workings of Walking Football – it will commercialise the game and change its character completely. For instance, players could end-up being paid – and teams forced to make “foreign” signings – so that Walking Football ceases to be “local”. In support of Paul Carr’s resistance to this intended FA merger – FIWFA stated that WFA Referees (who oppose this merger) had left that organisation (the WFA) and instead joined FIWFA as a protest. WFA issued a statement denying any such defection had taken place – and Paul Carr – as FIWFA President (interpreting the WFA declaration to be “false”) “banned” all UK WFA teams from the upcoming (2026) European tournament (to be held in Spain). What to make of all this? In one sense, Paul Carr appears to be arguing with himself – but of course – this is not the case. As “President” of FIWFA he is arguing with his subordinate colleagues in the WFA – who appear to be attempting to undermine his authority by pushing ahead with unwanted FA negotiations. Although some papers are trying to present Paul Carr as a bigot due to his political affiliations – it is clear from the content hosted on the FIWFA website that the game is truly international and multicultural.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 