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Burrell promises about-turn
Burrell promises about-turn
By Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer
Captain Horace Burrell and Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter, president of the International Federation of Football Associations. - Contributed
FORMER Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss, Captain Horace Burrell, who is merely awaiting formalities at the November 4 voting congress to replace outgoing Crenston Boxhill, has promised "a 180-degree turn" in local football administration upon taking office.
Refusing to comment directly on the cancellation of yet another friendly international following yesterday's official declaration that this Sunday's match against Ghana in London was cancelled, Burrell hinted at an about-turn under his guard.
Burrell, who was booted from office by Boxhill in November 2003 after two years at the helm of the JFF, rallied Jamaica from football obscurity to an historic qualification for World Cup 1998 in France.
Sold out crowds
During that time, the Reggae Boyz became a brand and played numerous friendly games, home and away, regularly drawing sold out crowds to the National Stadium.
Burrell is all set to take over the JFF as Boxhill has said he will not seek re-election, citing his rival's sponsorship of parish leagues, under his Captain's Bakery brand, as too strong a hand to topple.
"Starting November 4, football in Jamaica will make a 180-degree turn," Burrell said, responding to the JFF's inability to command frequent friendly games.
In its letter to the JFF confirming the cancellation of Sunday's match as well as the falling through of a proposal to play the game in Ghana next week, FIFA match agent GB Sports expressed regret and indicated it would be interested in arranging a friendly for the JFF on upcoming FIFA dates, November or next March.
JFF general secretary, Burchell Gibson, referred STAR Sports to Boxhill regarding the new dates but the outgoing JFF president could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, Burrell, who is expected to be in office before the November FIFA date, said he was not familiar with GB Sports and has his own plans in place.
"I don't know who these people are. I have no idea. I have not been in the JFF for the past four years. I have no knowledge of who they are and I am not willing to make any comments or commitment to anyone," he said.
"I have been thinking about the way forward for several weeks now. I am very focused but will not speak to any of these plans until the afternoon of November 4," he pointed out.
"I would respectfully ask that we await my taking office," he added. "I will not reveal any plans right now, but the football administration will change and that's all I have to say at this time." The Reggae Boyz were due to play Ghana at Leyton Orient's ground this Sunday. Reports indicate the match was initially cleared but afterwards hit a snag when Metro Police got wind of the expected turnout, which was beyond their capabilities in the time given.
By Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer
Captain Horace Burrell and Joseph 'Sepp' Blatter, president of the International Federation of Football Associations. - Contributed
FORMER Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) boss, Captain Horace Burrell, who is merely awaiting formalities at the November 4 voting congress to replace outgoing Crenston Boxhill, has promised "a 180-degree turn" in local football administration upon taking office.
Refusing to comment directly on the cancellation of yet another friendly international following yesterday's official declaration that this Sunday's match against Ghana in London was cancelled, Burrell hinted at an about-turn under his guard.
Burrell, who was booted from office by Boxhill in November 2003 after two years at the helm of the JFF, rallied Jamaica from football obscurity to an historic qualification for World Cup 1998 in France.
Sold out crowds
During that time, the Reggae Boyz became a brand and played numerous friendly games, home and away, regularly drawing sold out crowds to the National Stadium.
Burrell is all set to take over the JFF as Boxhill has said he will not seek re-election, citing his rival's sponsorship of parish leagues, under his Captain's Bakery brand, as too strong a hand to topple.
"Starting November 4, football in Jamaica will make a 180-degree turn," Burrell said, responding to the JFF's inability to command frequent friendly games.
In its letter to the JFF confirming the cancellation of Sunday's match as well as the falling through of a proposal to play the game in Ghana next week, FIFA match agent GB Sports expressed regret and indicated it would be interested in arranging a friendly for the JFF on upcoming FIFA dates, November or next March.
JFF general secretary, Burchell Gibson, referred STAR Sports to Boxhill regarding the new dates but the outgoing JFF president could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, Burrell, who is expected to be in office before the November FIFA date, said he was not familiar with GB Sports and has his own plans in place.
"I don't know who these people are. I have no idea. I have not been in the JFF for the past four years. I have no knowledge of who they are and I am not willing to make any comments or commitment to anyone," he said.
"I have been thinking about the way forward for several weeks now. I am very focused but will not speak to any of these plans until the afternoon of November 4," he pointed out.
"I would respectfully ask that we await my taking office," he added. "I will not reveal any plans right now, but the football administration will change and that's all I have to say at this time." The Reggae Boyz were due to play Ghana at Leyton Orient's ground this Sunday. Reports indicate the match was initially cleared but afterwards hit a snag when Metro Police got wind of the expected turnout, which was beyond their capabilities in the time given.
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