Ricketts: Things just never went our way ...

Though disappointed with Jamaica’s failed attempt to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, through the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico recently, president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Michael Ricketts insists they missed the boat when the failed to book their spot via automatic qualification from their Concacaf final-round group.

The group included teams ranked below the Reggae Boyz such as Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago and Curaçao.

Nevertheless, the team under coach Steve McClaren, never looked convincing and only took two points from their last two matches to miss out.

Ricketts said their inability to secure qualification from such a weak group eventually proved to be their downfall.

“I think we missed the opportunity from the preliminary stages. Things just never went our way, the breaks never came our way. We drew a game in Trinidad after we led for 86 minutes and that was a big setback.

“We came back and should have won against Curaçao. We hit the upright about three times and we had a penalty called off in time added.

“So we took the most difficult route and it really was tough. I think we did ourselves proud (in play-offs) but ultimately we came up short,” he said.

The JFF missed out on US$10m as a result of their qualification failure, as a result, Ricketts said it will be difficult to hire an overseas coach for the next qualification cycle, and has backed Rudolph Speid, who took charge for the play-offs in March, to continue in the role along with the rest of his technical staff.

“Financially, we have lost. This would have been a watershed moment for Jamaica football but we have to stay strong. We have to get things right. The show has to go on. So we have to regroup reorganise and move on.

“I don’t think we can afford to do otherwise (hire foreign coach). I liked the camaraderie, I like the warmth among the technical people. They respect authority, they were in a good mood and they had some vibe. It was just unfortunate but we will wheel and come again and I hope we will be in a position to get things right,” he continued.

He added that he will not answer calls for his resignation as the federation is in its best-ever position as an administration.

“The JFF is in the best position it has ever been. Best in terms of achievement, management and finances. People have a right to express how they feel but we are strong and united and going forward.

“We would have qualified in eight years for three World Cup tournaments but, if you miss out on the major one, of course you are going to come under some pressure.

“So, once you don’t get things right, you are going to have negative implications - but none of us are perfect. So we have to try our best to get things right for the next two qualifications that are on the horizon.”

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com