Waiting on Concacaf? - JFF competition’s committee may have to await ruling from parent body on Mount Pleasant

May 02, 2025
Gregory Daley, chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation’s competition’s committee.
Gregory Daley, chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation’s competition’s committee.

Despite a meeting held late yesterday evening by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) competition's committee, any decision regarding allegations levied against Mount Pleasant Football Academy fielding ineligible players may have to wait on Concacaf's intervention.

Gregory Daley, chairman of the JFF competitions committee, confirmed a meeting was held yesterday at 6 p.m. by his committee to open an investigation into Mount Pleasant after an official complaint was lodged by defending Jamaica Premier League champions Cavalier.

"We're meeting as a competition's committee to look into the allegations and the information that we have before us," Daley said. "We have a meeting at 6 p.m. to look at what the allegations are."

However, as of press time, there were no updates regarding any possible decision made by the committee.

Cavalier's complaint centres around Mount Pleasant's acquisitions of Angelo Exilus and Jeudy Jhonson from Real Hope FC.

"Based on recent observations, it has come to our attention that Mount Pleasant Football Academy registered the following Haitian players outside of the Jamaican transfer window and registration periods for new players," Cavalier's letter read.

Exilus and Jhonson, who were signed in the January window, both went on to represent Real Hope in their Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures on February 4 and 11, after the transfer window had closed.

FIFA, Concacaf and JFF regulations prohibit a player from being registered for more than one club at the same time, or for a transfer to be made after the transfer window has closed.

Daley explained the committee was in the opening stages of their investigation.

However, a resolution to the situation is expected to be impacted by the JFF's parent body, as reports detail the allegations have caught the attention of Concacaf.

With Exilus and Jhonson having competed in a Concacaf competition, it is understood that the regional governing body has intervened and has requested the relevant documents surrounding the investigation.

However, Daley declined to confirm Concacaf's involvements as of this point and any effect it could have on the timeline for a resolution.

"That is not something that I can't comment on," Daley said. "I can't comment on a timeline as everything will have to be decided in our meetings."

Should the decision rule against Mount Pleasant, the league leaders could face a possible points deduction, as much as 15, for breaching the competition's rules and fielding ineligible players.

A deduction from the St Ann-based club could cause repercussion in the league's playoff spots, as well as placings among the top three as runaway leaders Mount Pleasant could plummet to third, and MoBay United and Arnett Gardens assume the top two spots.

With penalties likely, this has caught the attention of Owen Hill, CEO of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL).

Hill is hoping the competition's committee can find a timely solution to the investigation, which would not affect the scheduling for the playoff fixtures.

"There is no role that the PFJL will play as this is strictly a committee matter and we await the outcome," he said.

"We are anticipating that the investigations will be completed in a timely manner that we can ensure the continuation of the playoff, planning is moving according to the design process."

As it stands, Mount Pleasant currently lead the JPL standings with 90 points and are scheduled to close out their regular season campaign with an away fixture against Humble Lion on Sunday, when the last round of preliminary games are scheduled.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

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