The JFF at a crossroads

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I cannot remember ever witnessing this at our National Stadium.

The sparse crowd that had gathered began to leave and head to the exits while there were still about 10 minutes left to play. At the time, our team was temporarily in the ascendancy and there remained a possibility that something could be salvaged from the game.

Our National Stadium, once regarded as a fortress and dubbed ‘The Office’, had become something akin to the biblical description of “dry bones in a desert place”.

A few days earlier, our president, Mr Ricketts, openly declared his support for Mr Gianni Infantino, the head of FIFA. I have serious concerns about that position and disagree with the decision to align the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) so publicly with him. I therefore urge Mr Ricketts to reconsider that stance.

Mr Speid has, for some time, worn many hats within the offices of the JFF. In my view, this concentration of responsibilities is not healthy for any institution, as it places too much influence in the hands of one individual.

Prior to the appointment of Steve McClaren as national coach, I had advocated for Miguel Coley to be given the opportunity to lead the Reggae Boyz.

I wish to thank Mr Speid for his efforts, but I respectfully suggest that he relinquish the coaching role and allow someone else to take over the position.

My choice remains Mr Coley.

John Royes