THE JFF hierarchy yesterday reacted with “shock and disbelief” at what it claimed were rumours originating out of Central America that the Reggae Boyz were planning to withdraw from Copa America to be held in Chile this summer.

“We are told that some media in Central America are suggesting that Jamaica plan to withdraw from the Copa America. Let me state categorically that this is absolute madness,” said an obviously disgruntled JFF president, Captain Horace Burrell.

“I have no idea where this could have emerged from… to be playing in the Copa America, for us, is a highlight of Jamaica’s football and we consider it a tremendous privilege and opportunity to market our brand and test our skills against some of the best in the world,” he added.

“And I can tell you that our team will be departing Jamaica’s shores for Chile on June 4.”

Burrell said individuals identifying themselves as journalists from Central America, particularly from Honduras, contacted high-ranking JFF officials seeking confirmation of the supposed pull-out.

“We had to tell them bluntly that there was no truth to it. How could we have invested so much in getting prepared for this tournament, and soon after, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and then just withdraw for no apparent reason? That does not make sense,” said the veteran football official.

Burrell said he wants the whole world to know that, not only will Jamaica be in Chile, but that the colourful Reggae Boyz are going to the South American continent to make an impression.

“Copa America is very important to us and our football programme, and we believe that we are not just going there to make an appearance, but we hope to leave some mark and that’s why we have assembled the strongest team possible,” said the CONCACAF vice-president.

Burrell said that as an indication of Jamaica’s commitment to the age-old South American championship, Jamaica is sending a team of officials to a pre-tournament seminar in Chile.

“Team manager Roy Simpson, assistant coach Miguel Coley and team doctor Derrick McDowell are leaving Jamaica this Friday to attend a very important seminar for the Copa America. We are committed fully to this assignment,” he told the Jamaica Observer last evening.

The Copa America, which will be played across Chile from June 11 to July 4, will be contested by all 10 CONMEBOL nations and invited teams, CONCACAF’s Mexico and Jamaica.

Jamaica will contest Group B against giants Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

Jamaica, by virtue of winning the CFU Caribbean Cup, will also play in the 2016 Copa America Centennial to be staged in the USA — the first time the championship is being staged outside of South America.

— Sean Williams