Where’s the money coming from?
Mike Henry wants answers regarding JPL 2022 season, monetary support
Published:Thursday | January 6, 2022 | 12:08 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
HUMBLE LION Chairman Mike Henry and Molynes United President Herman Cruickshank have both indicated financial concerns affecting their clubs as they prepare for the upcoming Jamaica Premier League season.
The 2022 campaign is expected to start this month. However, Henry outlined concerns for his club regarding monetary support for the season, and has demanded clarification from Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL).
“I’m concerned, because the targets that we were supposed to get as the support that was scheduled or committed by the PFJL is not manifesting themselves. In fact, our costs have gone up to about three to four million, and you are getting $500,000 a month to maintain (the club). And we don’t have any start-up capital. So it is really quite a struggle to be able to maintain a professional league based on some of the issues which are highly public relations-oriented, for which, I am certain, are not really the case on the ground,” said Henry.
While three sponsors have returned for the 2022 season, Henry says there needs to be clarification regarding the direction of the season.
CLUB FACING CHALLENGES
“So Humble Lion are facing the challenges, which I think most clubs are probably not speaking as they should. We still don’t know the exact date that we are starting. So there are issues that I would like to address in a more concrete way,” Henry said.
“It’s all well and good to talk, but the reality is that some communities will be suffering.”
Cruickshank acknowledged that it has been a struggle to gain more partners, which is affecting his club’s preparations.
“From a club level, it is difficult. At the professional arm, we are seeking to get sponsors at a higher level. In terms of getting assistance from corporate, it is a wait and see,” Cruickshank said. “It is a difficult time to be running the club.”
A meeting is expected to be held this Friday regarding the situation. And while not saying that the 2022 season is in jeopardy, he acknowledges that it will be difficult without an injection of cash, which he hopes will materialise in the next few days.
“We cannot call the league off. That has to be left with the Jamaica Football Federation, but if we don’t have any money to play the league, then it will be difficult. Unless corporate can bail us out; and corporate can bail us out by offering something to get it going,” Cruickshank said.
“We are getting calls from Antigua. Players want to come to Jamaica to play in this league, because there is no league anywhere in the Caribbean. But financially, as it is now, we hope by Friday we can get some help. But we definitely need help, not just the professional arm, but also at club level.”