Ricketts promises end to Girlz impasse

PRESIDENT OF the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Michael Ricketts said the federation is working to have an impasse with the first-team Reggae Girlz resolved very soon.

The regular members of the senior Reggae Girlz squad have withheld themselves from selection for the ongoing Gold Cup qualifiers since October, citing monetary and mistreatment from the JFF as part of their seasons, demanding that the federation address the issues.

However, Ricketts contends that the complaints can easily be addressed and that they are in the process of organising a sit-down with the Girlz to iron out the way forward.

“It (demands) wasn’t too many. It might have been about two or three, which from my own perspective are pretty easy to deal with.

“We will be having a meeting soon and when we meet, hopefully we can come to a consensus on the way forward. So we are in the process now of organising that meeting,” he told The Gleaner.

The history between the Girlz and the federation is one littered with contention but the president is hoping that they can put the past behind them when they sit down to dialogue.

“It is just for us to sometimes compromise our own position to support the programme. We just need to take it easy. So stay humble, stay respectful and we can get things done,” he said.

Nevertheless, he expects that for the next international all players will once again be available for selection.

“I really do hope so, that the coach will have the full complement of players for the next window, that would be best for everyone,” he said.