Dear Editor,

The decision by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to shove their knee-jerk unilateral contracts into the faces of the national football players and say, quite disrespectfully, “sign or else”, is just another clear indication of the way not to run a national federation.

Initially, we are told, not even the usual due process courtesy to consult with an attorney before signing was granted to the players. What player worth his salt will sign those ill-advised contracts, and what if they don’t sign? Is this charade the end of international football in Jamaica as we know it? I think not.

This is what happens when you negotiate with terrorists; you invariably become a terrorist yourself. Having meekly capitulated to the players’ demands in Martinique, rather than calling their bluff, the JFF lost that poker game, and will lose this hand too.

Without players there is no JFF, and the JFF may have no choice but to resign from office en mass. Players are king. Ask Marlon.

This latest squabble between the national players and the JFF was created by years of inept management of the national football federation by successive JFF administrations.

If this inequitable management action does not lead to the timely formation of a Jamaica Football Players Association, nothing else will. The referees did the right thing and formed themselves a quasi-union and look where they are today. Now, referees’ fees are increased incrementally pursuant to their contract with the JFF.

Are these JFF contracts compatible with the players’ club contracts — both foreign and domestic? And if they are not, which contract takes precedent?

Jamaican football players, “wake up and live”, smell the coffee or the high grade. This is your “Battle of the Bulge”; your Waterloo; your Little Big Horn.

If yu blink now, yu dun fa.

Ras Rambert

noschessdamusras@yahoo.com