JFF outlines RSPL resumption plan, support for clubs
Published:Tuesday | September 22, 2020 | 12:23 PM
The 2020/21 Premier League season is expected to get underway on November 14 and end on June 30, 2021, this after organisers on Tuesday, outlined resumption plans for the nation's top football competition, despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts, who also outlined a relief package for participating clubs valued at over $1.2 million each, made the announcement during a press conference held at the Jamaica Pegasus, in conjunction with the Premier League of Jamaica Interim Committee.
The new format for the upcoming campaign features teams only playing two rounds in the regular season before the customary playoffs. Additionally the next two seasons will see no relegation of teams, with two teams being promoted, increasing the total number of teams to 16 by 2022.
As part of the health protocols proposed, matches are to be held in central locations with the Ministry of Health determining if fans will be allowed to attend.
COVID-19 testing will be done for players and staff starting next Monday. Testing will also be done before the November 17 kick-off.
According to Ricketts, 600 persons will be tested.
Ricketts also announced financial support for the clubs with $1.2 million dollars to be dispersed to all 12 clubs, as part of the COVID-19 relief package received by FIFA, with additional funding to be provided to cover outstanding expenses incurred over the period of local football inactivity.
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