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Charley's JB Rum sponsors Premier League play-offs

Published:Tuesday | May 17, 2016 | 12:00 AMMarc Stamp
Patrick Planter
Raymond Grant (left), Jamaica Football Federation general secretary, is presented with the symbolic cheque for $1.2 million from J Wray and Nephew brand manager, Kevon Spence, during the Red Stripe Premier League playoffs press launch at J Wray and Nephew Limited's offices in New Kingston yesterday.

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Premier League play-offs for the first ever time have sponsorship. J Wray and Nephew Limited, through its Charley's JB Rum, will contribute $9 million over a three-year period.

Three million will be spent each year, with a breakdown of $1.2 million to the JFF towards administration, referee, the clubs and other related expenses. The other $1.8 million will be spent on marketing execution during the three-week play-offs.

Pietro Gramegna, J Wray and Nephew marketing manager, made the historic announcement at a press launch yesterday at J Wray and Nephew's offices in New Kingston.

"Today marks the announcement of the historic Charley's JB Rum Premier League playoffs. Congrats to Granville United, Jamalco FC, Maverley-Hughenden and Brazil for emerging winners of their Confederations," Gramegna said.

"We will be investing a total of $9 million in cash and execution of the playoffs for the next three seasons," he explained.

'Therefore, we will look forward to some thrilling football. We want an exciting playoff series over a three-week period," Gramegna added.

 

PLEASED WITH DECISION

 

JFF's South Central Confederation chairman, Michael Ricketts, says the organisation is happy about the company's decision to invest in the playoffs.

"Well, congrats to the sponsors. They had the vision to suggest sponsorship of the playoff series. This had never happened before," Ricketts shared.

"This is a league format and at the completion of the home and away games, the top two teams on points will advance to the 2016-17 Red Stripe Premier League season. This is a partnership that will hopefully last for a lifetime. We need private sector support, especially at the parish level to develop football," he outlined.

The play-off series is set to start on Sunday, May 22 with two games. Western Confederation Super League champions, Granville United FC, will face Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) winners, Maverley-Hughenden FC, at Granville Community Centre, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Eastern Confed Super League champions, Brazil FC, will challenge South Central Confed Super League winners, Jamalco FC, at Drax Hall in St Ann, starting at 3:30 p.m.