Reggae Boyz clarify position in JFF negotiations

Members of Jamaica's national senior men's football team - the Reggae Boyz, have sought to clarify their position, as the deadlock between themselves and the Jamaica Football Federation, in their wage negotiations continue.

In a release issued on Wednesday, the players dismissed what they d escribed as sentiments that their demands are excessive and pointed out that their requests are not limited to remuneration, but also involve governance and welfare issues.

"This press release seeks to clarify sentiments expressed in the public domain regarding the position of select national players in their negotiations with the Jamaica Football Federation. These sentiments suggest that the Player’s requests are excessive, however, the proposed terms which are not confined to money are within normal standards for players at the international level," read the release.

"It must be emphasized that these issues are not limited to player remuneration but involve other critical matters related to administrative governance and player welfare.

"The assignment of medical staff, physiotherapists and coordinated travel arrangements are standard for teams playing at the international level," the release continued.

"On March 8, 2021 members of the Jamaica’s National Senior Men’s team offered contracts by the Jamaica Football Federation submitted a counter offer for the Gold Cup, International Friendlies and World Cup Qualifiers with the following highlighted, proposed terms;

- US$2,000 for the Gold Cup plus bonuses in response to the JFF’s offer of $500 per match.

- US$3,000 plus bonuses for the World Cup Qualifiers in response to the JFF’s offer of $2,000 per match.

- US$2,000 per match for CONCACAF Top 5 International Friendlies and US$3,000 for top 30 ranked FIFA teams.

"The players and their representatives have maintained dialogue and exchanged written communication with the JFF through their legal counsel in an effort to resolve long standing contractual issues."

The players note that they are keen to finalise negotiations as the Gold Cup and FIFA World Cup assignments loom.

"The players have also proposed a negotiating regime for managing communication and disputes in an effort to mitigate the risk of unwarranted conflict that becomes a distraction for all the stakeholders," the release continued. "With two months to go for preparation, the players are keen to finalise the negotiations with the Federation and appreciate that the coaching staff require closure to this issue so that they can select their best possible team."

"They therefore trust that the Federation will meet them on the path to resolution in the country’s best interest and remain committed to making Jamaica proud," it read.