KSAFA won’t rush decision over Meadforest sanctions

THE KINGSTON and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) has placed a situation with one of its club, Meadforest, under review, following the decision by that club to go against the association’s resolution not to take part in the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) National Tier II competition.

Meadforest had requested that the KSAFA allow them to play in the competition but were denied. The club then took their issues to the JFF, which offered Meadforest a spot, providing the first-choice KSAFA teams failed to take up their spots.

Last week, the JFF accepted Meadforest into the national second-tier league after Real Mona, Barbican, and Boys’ Town (qualified teams) declined the JFF’s offer to play.

Many are now expecting a big fallout between the KSAFA and Meadforest, and possible sanctions are expected.

KSAFA president, Mark Bennett, said the case is currently under review and that there are a number of possibilities upon its completion.

“The matter is still under review. The position of KSAFA is clear. We passed a resolution, and the resolution carries sanctions. So we will observe due process in carrying out that review,” Bennett told The Gleaner.

Bennett said Section IV of the KSAFA constitution, which speaks to affiliation, does carry penalties for such breaches.

“The constitution itself speaks to a list of actions based on how much of a breach it is,” said Bennett.

These penalties can range from fines, to referrals, suspensions, or expulsion, but the KSAFA is taking its time because according to Bennett, there is no intention of being unfair to Meadforest.

“We want to ensure that the rights of all our affiliates are observed. The association, in carrying out the review, will conduct it the right and proper way and ensure that due process is followed.

“This may or may not include any action. We have to await the final outcome. The review may not even recommend any action. But once a disciplinary process is initiated, I cannot speak to what will be the final outcome. There are a range of possibilities and they could be reprimanded, but the disciplinary committee will arrive at their own decision without any prompting from us. But it is a matter that will be considered by the association in its entirety,” he said.

He added that they would meet at the next possible convenience, at which time he hopes to arrive at a decision.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com