Tweet
The relationship between the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson has deteriorated beyond repair with both parties said to be frustrated with each other and moving towards an early separation.
Hallgrimsson, who led his homeland Iceland to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018, was courted by the JFF in 2022 with the goal of securing qualification for Jamaica to the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It has, however, been a less than convincing tenure by the 57-year-old, despite his fairly respectable record with the Reggae Boyz — 11 wins, six draws, and nine losses in his 26 matches in charge. His record in competitive matches sits at 10 wins, three draws, and five losses.
With the Jamaicans set to face Venezuela in their final Copa America group match at 7:00 pm in Austin, Texas, tonight, there is all likelihood that this could be the coach’s final match in charge of the national senior team.
When contacted, chairman of the JFF’s Technical Committee, Rudolph Speid, would not be drawn into a direct comment on the matter, but he noted that the normal procedures, which involve a post-tournament audit of the technical performances, will be exercised in short order.
“As usual, following the completion of Jamaica’s involvement in the tournament, the Technical Committee will meet to assess the performance and consider the recommendations,” Speid told the Jamaica Observer when quizzed on Saturday.
However, according to multiple well-placed sources, the damage has already been done and Hallgrimsson and the JFF are heading towards an inevitable divorce, two years before the expiration of his contract.
The JFF’s top brass, disappointed with the team’s results and Hallgrimsson’s game management, has lost confidence in the tactician’s ability to lead the team to World Cup qualification, with reports also surfacing that the coach’s relationship with several key players has soured.
Of note, the coach, who moved to Jamaica in January 2023, four months after his appointment, has already emptied and vacated the house provided to him by the JFF and has returned to Iceland since January of this year, only travelling to Jamaica for team assignments.
Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 
05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015
Comment