Western administrators stunned by Blatter's move

Western Bureau:

There is shared surprise among three western Jamaica football administrators on news of the sudden resignation of FIFA boss Sepp Blatter.

Western Confederation Chairman Linnel McLean, Westmoreland FA President Everton Tomlinson and Hanover FA's top man, Sheridan Samuels, all suggested Blatter's resignation could stifle CONCACAF's and Jamaica's football development.

"If the policies started by Blatter, which really are the development of football in small member associations such as Jamaica, then one would believe that whoever takes over will continue them," said McLean.

"Blatter has been a keen supporter of the game in smaller, less-recognisable football-playing countries, and I think that his resignation will cause these steps taken to falter," reasoned McLean.

Blatter, who was re-elected president for a fourth consecutive term only last Friday in Zurich, Switzerland, made his surprise resignation yesterday, and McLean said the news was surprising to him.

"Yes, I was surprised when I first heard the news. What he has been able to do for football in countries in our region will never be forgotten," stated McLean.

Tomlinson said he was anticipating a significant effect on football in Jamaica and in CONCACAF.

"The region got plenty support in developing the game from Mr Blatter, in terms of hosting of tournaments and such things. But as it stands now, we will just have to wait and see how the football will rebound," said Tomlinson.

Samuels described Blatter as a man who took care of, and looked after, the interest of smaller nations.

"It is my hope that his successor will be of like mind in terms of the development of the game in regions such as the Caribbean. A failure to do so will only be a disaster for countries such as Jamaica," said Samuels.