Advertisement

Let's all take a deep breath

FROM THE SPORTS DESK   

 

By Jeremain Brown

It has been a drama filled start to the 2014-2015 Red Stripe Premier League Season. 

At the centre of it is the tussle between the Premier League Clubs' Association, PLCA, the body that runs the nation's top flight football competition and champions Montego Bay United.  

After threatening to withdraw on the eve of the competition, Montego Bay United belatedly decided to play under protest against Reno,  (Monday September 8) at the Catherine Hall Complex. 

But has danger been averted, I say no, the  damage has been done. 

The sponsors and media rights holders are among those most affected by the late decision. 

Mobay United are crying foul over the issues of the long overdue financial statements and Annual General Meeting from the PLCA. 

They are also calling for the PLCA's General Manager Andrew Price to step down alleging a conflict of interest  with him being technical director of Boys' Town F.C. 

The PLCA's response has been to say that Montego Bay United could be sanctioned and punished if they do not honour their fixtures.

But could all this have been avoided? 

I believe it could have. 

What are the real issues at play? 

Price has been accused of a conflict of interest being PLCA General Manager and technical director of Boys' Town, but the PLCA chairman Edward Seaga is also president of the Tivoli Football Club. 

These issues have been brewing from even before last season  and certainly all should have been done to avoid the embarrassment. 

The start of last season was pushed back by a week to sort out the play-off format and I believe the same should have been done this year.

Two poignant questions should also be asked? 

If Montego Bay United were not champions would they have taken such a drastic stance? 

If one of the clubs in the powerful Kingston and St Andrew Football Association, KSAFA, in particular, the fab four of Tivoli, Arnett, Waterhouse or Harbour View had the same issues as Mobay United, would the PLCA have reacted this way?

Egos are at play, Mobay United are clearly using their status as champions to push their cause, which by the way has also been shared by other clubs outside of KSAFA.  The PLCA are clearly showing that they will not be dictated to by Mobay United. 

But who is winning?  Neither party is.

The very important sponsors, who are hard to get according to the PLCA, are watching to see how the   embarrassing saga unfolds. 

Let the egos slide.

To Mobay United, as champions I say let diplomacy rule,  while to the PLCA I say pride goeth before a fall, listen to your members. 

All this upheaval was unnecessary

 

 

 

 

 

 

We'd also love to hear from you, so let us know in the space provided below the commentary on the page.

 

 

 


comments powered by Disqus
More Stories
Most Popular
Privy Council to hand down ruling in Vybz...
Privy Council criticised for ignoring some...
Privy Council quashes Vybz Kartel murder...