Editorial | What’s going on, JFF?

Cedella Marley’s immediate resignation as global ambassador of the Reggae Girlz should not be dismissed as the action of a disgruntled person, as may now be happening in the island’s football corridors.

We think herein lies an opportunity for the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the Ministry of Sport, and all football stakeholders to address the frustrations of Ms Marley and turn this situation around to the advantage of the players and their growing fan base.

We don’t know what exactly triggered Ms Marley’s decision, but her resignation letter certainly lifted the veil to allow the public a glimpse into the relationship between the team and the national confederation. What did we see? Things are not right between the parties. Indeed, there is the suggestion of a widening rift over the past months. Her appeals to individuals within the JFF to help resolve the issues have been rebuffed. Her letter said in part:

“… I must express my disappointment and growing concern with the turn things have taken in recent months. After the World Cup, I was under the impression that we all were committed to working together to build on that success. However, the ever-widening rift between the JFF and the team is very alarming. Numerous overtures to each of you to voice my concern and try to assist with a resolution continue to be met with noncommittal, generic response.”

While we await the JFF’s response to fill out the gaps, we must commend Ms Marley’s work with the team, as benefactor and mentor since 2014. With the weight of the Bob Marley Foundation behind her she has invested some US$2.7 million in the growth and development of the Reggae Girlz brand. And, from all appearances, the players see Ms Marley as a mother figure. In the context of the business of sports, the withdrawal of this level of support could create a commercial dilemma for the Girlz.

MAN’S GAME

There is a national passion for football, albeit men’s football. The game continues to be generally seen as a man’s game. It is therefore no surprise that the women’s teams are not as well-resourced or funded. So, when someone like Ms Marley comes along as friend and benefactor, it is the kind of volunteerism that creates the impetus for expansion and growth. It is to be encouraged.

Last year, the simmering frustrations of the Reggae Girlz came to a boil and overflowed at the World Cup in Australia, where the team criticised the JFF for its lack of support and poor remuneration, including non-payment of some fees. A wave of disgruntlement settled over the team, but, despite this, they put in some awesome performances. Their spirited performance won them many more fans than at the start of the campaign.

The growth and expansion of women’s professional sports is a global phenomenon. Not only is it providing continuous paid employment for players and other professionals, but it helps to bring nations together in solid support behind their sportsmen and sportswomen.

Surely, one could argue that it’s time for the Ministry of Sports to intervene and resolve the outstanding issues between the Girlz and the JFF. If the JFF finds itself incapable of promoting women’s football, should there be an independent federation for women’s football?

The momentum the Reggae Girlz received from their performance in 2023 World Cup can only grow if the JFF and other stakeholders are held accountable. We must demand that they replicate the action on the pitch in the programmes they develop for the welfare and protection of the players.