Ricketts hopes to forge strong ties at FIFA summit

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president, Michael Ricketts, has described the historic FIFA Executive Football Summit (FIFA EFS) to be held in Montego Bay on January 18 next year as his first 'major achievement' and hopes the event can help forge relationships with member associations that will boost his administration in the future.

The summit which will be chaired by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino, is aimed at enhancing relationship between FIFA and member associations at a top executive level and to provide a democratic platform for information exchange, and Ricketts his hoping they can build stronger ties with some of the more influential members.

"It is the first time in Jamaica and the Caribbean this will be happening, and the second time in CONCACAF. So we are hoping this is the start of positive things for this administration.

"I am looking to forward to it with great excitement and we (JFF) and everyone else will be on their 'A' game to ensure everything goes well," he insisted.

Historic convention

At the end of the historic convention Ricketts hopes the relationships they create will have a positive impact on the development of the sport locally.

"I am hoping that we can build some kind of relationship with some of the member states. Countries will be represented from all over, so we hope we can build some type of relationship with these countries that will foster some kind of bond ... something that will enhance my position as president and that of the JFF," he said

"This is my first major achievement. There will be in excess of 60 member countries ... and I am absolutely delighted," he added.

"We had a visit from a FIFA representative last weekend. She is impressed and satisfied that accommodation will be at its optimum. It is now up to us to make them comfortable and ensure their stay is one they will enjoy and one that is productive," he stated.