PLCA accuses JFF of 'hijacking' players' rights

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

The Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) has accused the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) of being unconscionable and bullying, as it relates to their dealings with the national players in an ongoing contractual dispute.

Following a meeting of the JFF's board of directors, the body has insisted that all players with any intention of representing the national team in the future must sign a four-year contract.

That decision was taken following a stand-off between the federation and the players during the recently concluded Digicel Caribbean Cup. The Reggae Boyz had refused to train and threatened not to take the field during the tournament unless certain demands were met. Those demands had included receiving 80 per cent of the prize money and also US$1,200 per diem for each player during the tournament. JFF President, Captain Horace Burrell, eventually relented.

No player has signed the document put forward by the JFF and, according to the PLCA, after a meeting with 16 senior members, continue to express serious reservations about doing so.

In a release, the PLCA accused the JFF of being "draconian" and making one-sided arrangements in a "dictatorial pattern".

Discourse

Represented by Chairman Edward Seaga, Deputy Chairman Carvel Stewart and director, Ricardo Chin, the PLCA said it has sought discourse with the JFF on the various issues, but claim those attempts have been blocked by JFF general secretary, Horace Reid, who it accused of attempting to bully the players into signing the documents - contracts which the PLCA believes to be in violation of the players' rights.

"This is an ill-considered and devious attempt by the JFF to hijack the rights of the players who up until the recent CFU tournament had not been fully paid by the JFF in 18 months despite several promises ... . The PLCA and the players protest this unconscionable act. Discussions between the parties are necessary without any more bullying."

Burrell and Reid, who seemed surprised by the contents of the release when contacted by The Gleaner, opted not to comment on the issue, but expect to have a meeting with the PLCA in Ocho Rios at 10 a.m. today.

"I have absolutely no comment at this time," Burrell told The Gleaner. "The PLCA requested a meeting with the JFF, the meeting has been planned for Ocho Rios and I am already here. I am awaiting the arrival of The Most Honourable Edward Seaga and we are told deputy chairman, Carvel Stewart, at 10 a.m. today.