KINGSTON, Jamaica, Nov 13, CMC – Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts says the federation will hold urgent talks with FIFA over security concerns surrounding the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar after the United States withdrew from the tournament.
The Americans announced on Wednesday that they were pulling out of the competition, scheduled for November 19 to December 13, citing the risk of armed conflict in the region.
According to reports, US Soccer outlined its concerns in a letter referencing advice from the United States Department of State, which last month issued a Level Three travel advisory for Qatar, urging travellers to reconsider travel.
Ricketts said the US decision has raised concerns within the JFF, and the federation will seek FIFA’s guidance before making a final call on Jamaica’s participation.
“I have to be concerned because if a powerhouse like the US can deem it fit to withdraw because of security reasons, then obviously we have to be concerned,” Ricketts said.
He added that he spoke with FIFA’s Secretary General earlier on Wednesday, but the issue was not raised during their discussions.
“This morning I was on the phone with the secretary general of FIFA, and he never raised that issue at all. We were talking about the four countries hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2031 and, of course, an extraordinary congress to be held next week,” Ricketts said. “Those were the topical issues, and at no time did he raise any concerns in relation to the Under-17s going down to Qatar.”
However, Ricketts said the JFF must move quickly to get FIFA’s position, especially with Jamaica’s departure for the tournament imminent.
He said the federation is due to leave on Saturday and will also monitor whether other countries follow the United States in withdrawing.
“We must have some discussions with FIFA in this regard and for them to advise us as to what their thoughts are in relation to us participating or not participating,” he said. “We are, of course, concerned, and we must be serious about the decisions that we will take from here on.”
Jamaica have been drawn in Group E alongside Italy, Côte d’Ivoire and Uzbekistan. The young Reggae Boyz will be making their third appearance at the Under-17 World Cup after topping their group at the CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Alajuela, Costa Rica, in February.
CMC la/26