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November 9, 2009
Following reports originating in the United Kingdom regarding claims by footballer Tyrone Mears that he represented Jamaica’s national team despite not being eligible to do so and based on the fact that these reports questioned Jamaica’s approach to the situation, the Federation feels constrained to offer clarifications.
The Federation became aware of Mr. Mears’ desire to represent Jamaica through then coach John Barnes who was informed of the player’s interest in representing the country which he claimed connection to through his father. He was subsequently invited by Barnes to make himself available for the friendly international against Nigeria to be held in London in February 2009. Mr. Mears accepted this invitation and played for most of the game.
Subsequent to the Nigeria friendly international, General Manager for the national teams, Howard Bell tried repeatedly to procure from Mr. Mears the necessary documentation (his Birth Certificate, mother’s Birth Certificate, father's Birth Certificate or the Birth Certificate of his relative through whom he would qualify for Jamaican citizenship) without success. The efforts continued up to the closing of registration for the Gold Cup. It was Mr. Mears’ failure to provide these documents that led to his omission from the Gold Cup squad.
The fact that Mears has represented Jamaica in a friendly international does not preclude him from representing England or any country that he is qualified to represent as it was not an official match.
It should be noted that the Federation is responding to the published statements attributed to Mr. Mears without being able to confirm that he in fact made them. Repeated efforts to contact him were not met with success.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Following reports originating in the United Kingdom regarding claims by footballer Tyrone Mears that he represented Jamaica’s national team despite not being eligible to do so and based on the fact that these reports questioned Jamaica’s approach to the situation, the Federation feels constrained to offer clarifications.
The Federation became aware of Mr. Mears’ desire to represent Jamaica through then coach John Barnes who was informed of the player’s interest in representing the country which he claimed connection to through his father. He was subsequently invited by Barnes to make himself available for the friendly international against Nigeria to be held in London in February 2009. Mr. Mears accepted this invitation and played for most of the game.
Subsequent to the Nigeria friendly international, General Manager for the national teams, Howard Bell tried repeatedly to procure from Mr. Mears the necessary documentation (his Birth Certificate, mother’s Birth Certificate, father's Birth Certificate or the Birth Certificate of his relative through whom he would qualify for Jamaican citizenship) without success. The efforts continued up to the closing of registration for the Gold Cup. It was Mr. Mears’ failure to provide these documents that led to his omission from the Gold Cup squad.
The fact that Mears has represented Jamaica in a friendly international does not preclude him from representing England or any country that he is qualified to represent as it was not an official match.
It should be noted that the Federation is responding to the published statements attributed to Mr. Mears without being able to confirm that he in fact made them. Repeated efforts to contact him were not met with success.
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