JFF seeking clearance for WCQ game on no-movement day

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, Michael Ricketts, says that plans are already in motion to get the necessary dispensation for the Reggae Boyz World Cup qualifying home opener against Panama to continue despite the latest COVID-19 restrictions.

Although approval was given for the match at the National Stadium to go ahead with no fans in attendance, Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Thursday announced seven no-movement days as part of stricter measures to combat the surge in COVID-19 cases. The no-movement days include September 5, the date scheduled for the game.

The prime minister had said in Thursday’s press conference that the matter would be under further discussion.

While Ricketts says that the talks are still ongoing, he is optimistic about the early responses regarding acquiring the necessary exemptions for the game to still go ahead.

“We came out of an organising committee meeting (on Friday) and that was the most topical issue on the agenda. We kind of got some reassurances from the respective authorities, even if it is a little bit early,” Ricketts told The Gleaner. “We would need to make some adjustments and hopefully things will be in place to facilitate the game on September 5. But we are in contact with Minister Grange (Olivia), and of course her office and of course the local government ministry, and specifically the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management.”

The no-movement days prompted the Jamaica Premier League to reschedule last weekend’s slate of matches to August 27 and 28. However, according to Holness, a dispensation was given for the West Indies’ second Test match against Pakistan at Sabina Park to continue playing through the no-movement days, which included Sunday, Monday and yesterday.

In talks with Concacaf

Ricketts says that they have been in talks with Concacaf, and not only is he encouraged by the feedback, but he is also confident in the match not being moved to a venue outside of Jamaica because of the restrictions.

“I really don’t expect that. They just wanted some clarification as to this order that we get some exemption and that is what we are working towards,” Ricketts said. “Based on the discussions that we have been having (with them) I think that the game will go on as scheduled.”

Meanwhile, Concacaf executive, Howard McIntosh, says that with efforts to get the necessary clearance for the game to operate on the no-movement day, the regional body would not initially need to step in to assist. However, he says that they would await word from both Jamaica and Panama as to what assistance they may need to execute the qualifier.

“With the announcement by the prime minister, it’s not necessarily a situation where they would require our help yet because they (the JFF) have to make a decision. And if it is true, which is what we understand, that the prime minister and government has agreed for the game to be played without spectators on the no-movement day, then we are happy for that,” McIntosh said.

“We wait to hear from the federations, in this case the JFF, as to what kind of assistance they would need. We would also wait to hear from Panama to see what kind of assistance they might need. In this pandemic scenario, it’s one where things change week to week and day to day.”

At present, the JFF is awaiting approval for the remainder of the Reggae Boyz World Cup qualifying home schedule. After Panama, they are scheduled to host Canada on October 10 and the United States on November 16.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm.com