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By Andre Lowe
The National Stadium is set to buzz next month as the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) moves to tie down the playing of at least two friendly internationals for the Reggae Boyz.
The national senior team has been idle since their lackluster 1-1 draw with regional adversaries Panama on March 26 and the Crenston Boxhill-led administration is eager to kick-start the team’s pre-World Cup qualification preparations.
The Sunday Herald understands that negotiations are currently well advanced with several South American, Asian and European countries and JFF officials are expecting to make announcements shortly.
JFF press officer Garth Williams confirmed the reports but refused to provide any additional details so as not to jeopardise the ongoing negotiations.
It is understood that technical director Velibor ‘Bora’ Milutinovic is keen to record his first home win and should have a number of his overseas-bease charges available for these fixtures, as the European leagues will be finished by then.
Preparations are also being made for the male and female Under-23 teams, which are getting ready to participate in the Pan American games in July of this year.
In the meantime, the embattled organisation is currently exploring several avenues in a bid to solidify the federation’s financial position.
Following a $13 million loss from the recent hosting of Group B of the FIFA Under-17 Youth World Cup and the ongoing servicing of related expenses, the JFF is now looking to increase its revenue stream through the establishment of a merchandise store and mini museum on the premises of the secretariat.
The facility, which will stock authentic JFF and Reggae Boyz apparel and paraphernalia for retail purposes, will be located on the ground floor of the federation’s New Kingston office.
There will also be a section dedicated to the history of Jamaica’s football, which will have on display memorabilia of the country’s football exploits on the international stage. It is hoped that the store will aid in the JFF’s marketing thrust and image. Work on the project is tentatively scheduled to begin in middle of July 2007.
Kit deal
Additionally, the JFF hierarchy is currently considering a proposal from an international sports goods manufacturer to become the national programme’s official kit provider.
The JFF had sought a six-month extension from current sponsor Uhlsport as it required more time to secure a new deal. Several offers have already been rejected by the JFF as the administration seeks to secure the “best possible deal” for the country.
JFF treasurer, Rudolph Speid, who has been spearheading the negotiations confirmed that a new offer has been tabled and that it is being examined.
“We have received an offer from an international company, which also has an operation arm in the United States of America. It is now left for us (JFF) to say whether or not we are going to go with it,” he stated.
Speid warned that the offer is not better than their current deal in terms of monetary value and further advised that there is now no indication as to when a deal will be finalised.
The National Stadium is set to buzz next month as the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) moves to tie down the playing of at least two friendly internationals for the Reggae Boyz.
The national senior team has been idle since their lackluster 1-1 draw with regional adversaries Panama on March 26 and the Crenston Boxhill-led administration is eager to kick-start the team’s pre-World Cup qualification preparations.
The Sunday Herald understands that negotiations are currently well advanced with several South American, Asian and European countries and JFF officials are expecting to make announcements shortly.
JFF press officer Garth Williams confirmed the reports but refused to provide any additional details so as not to jeopardise the ongoing negotiations.
It is understood that technical director Velibor ‘Bora’ Milutinovic is keen to record his first home win and should have a number of his overseas-bease charges available for these fixtures, as the European leagues will be finished by then.
Preparations are also being made for the male and female Under-23 teams, which are getting ready to participate in the Pan American games in July of this year.
In the meantime, the embattled organisation is currently exploring several avenues in a bid to solidify the federation’s financial position.
Following a $13 million loss from the recent hosting of Group B of the FIFA Under-17 Youth World Cup and the ongoing servicing of related expenses, the JFF is now looking to increase its revenue stream through the establishment of a merchandise store and mini museum on the premises of the secretariat.
The facility, which will stock authentic JFF and Reggae Boyz apparel and paraphernalia for retail purposes, will be located on the ground floor of the federation’s New Kingston office.
There will also be a section dedicated to the history of Jamaica’s football, which will have on display memorabilia of the country’s football exploits on the international stage. It is hoped that the store will aid in the JFF’s marketing thrust and image. Work on the project is tentatively scheduled to begin in middle of July 2007.
Kit deal
Additionally, the JFF hierarchy is currently considering a proposal from an international sports goods manufacturer to become the national programme’s official kit provider.
The JFF had sought a six-month extension from current sponsor Uhlsport as it required more time to secure a new deal. Several offers have already been rejected by the JFF as the administration seeks to secure the “best possible deal” for the country.
JFF treasurer, Rudolph Speid, who has been spearheading the negotiations confirmed that a new offer has been tabled and that it is being examined.
“We have received an offer from an international company, which also has an operation arm in the United States of America. It is now left for us (JFF) to say whether or not we are going to go with it,” he stated.
Speid warned that the offer is not better than their current deal in terms of monetary value and further advised that there is now no indication as to when a deal will be finalised.
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