FIFA deny JFF's request to postpone WC qualifier

FOOTBALL'S-world governing body, FIFA, has denied a request by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to postpone its World Cup Qualifier on Good Friday, March 25, against Costa Rica at the National Stadium at 7 p.m.

"The JFF wishes to advise that it made representation to FIFA for a possible change of date based on the sacred nature of Good Friday to many Jamaicans," informed a JFF release yesterday.

It added: "FIFA has responded that the change in date was not possible as the 2016 international match calendar has been approved since 2013."

Captain Horace Burrell, the JFF president, apologised.

"Because we are a Christian society, I appealed to FIFA and asked them to postpone the game and have us play on another date. However, FIFA came back to us and said no," Burrell told The Gleaner.

"We had no intention to offend the Christians, but nothing can be done," he emphasised.

Burrell said arrangements could be made for a church service inside the venue before game time.

"I am thinking of having a church service at the National Stadium before the game starts," Burrell said.

Meanwhile, ticket prices remain Grandstand Category One $6,500, Grandstand Category Two $5,500 and Bleachers $1,200.