Major General John Simmonds appointed to FIFA Disciplinary Committee
Jamaica’s Major General John Simmonds has been appointed to the powerful FIFA Disciplinary Committee at the 66th Congress in Mexico yesterday.
Major General Simmonds, who captained Jamaica at football and also represented his country at hockey and squash, and played all-schools cricket, was extremely happy with his appointment.
“I am very elated,” he told the Jamaica Observer, moments after being informed of his appointment.
“I was very surprised and pleased. You know when you didn’t expect it? Obviously a little luck came my way,” said Major General Simmonds.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has the responsibility not only for players but managers, coaches and all other administrators, and is responsible for ensuring that the highest standard of discipline is maintained throughout football.
Major General Simmonds, a retired military officer who was chief of staff of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) between 1998 and 2002, believes his military background will serve FIFA well.
“It’s good for the JDF and it’s good for Jamaica, and I will definitely try my best. This is one for Jamaica,” said the retired army man.
“It’s appropriate. All my life I have been in a discipline way, so it’s in my portfolio,” he noted.
Major General Simmonds, who was the seventh officer to have commanded the JDF since its formation in 1962, attended Excelsior High School from January 1961 to July 1965. He represented the school at cricket, football and hockey, and was the captain of the school’s Manning and Sunlight Cup teams in 1964. He was also a member of the 1963 and 1964 All Manning Cup and All Schools football teams. His all-round cricketing ability played a major role in Excelsior winning the Sunlight Cup Cricket in 1962 and 1963.
During his tenure in the JDF, Major General Simmonds served in all three infantry battalions holding appointments of Platoon Commander, Motor Transport Officer, Company Commander, and Commanding Officer in the regular Battalions and that of Administrative Officer in the Third Battalion (National Reserve).
Major General Simmonds, who played as a centre half, said he preferred that position because he loves to “control things at the back” and that will definitely help him in his new role at FIFA.
Meanwhile, Jamaica Football Federation President Captain Horace Burrell was just as pleased for his army colleague.
“I am indeed elated and couldn’t think of anyone more deserving, having served his country well as chief of staff and other areas of national life,” said Captain Burrell, who had been appointed to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee in 2006.
“This will allow him to continue to serve in an area throughout his life he has participated and excelled in. Congrats to him,” said Burrell.
Major General Simmonds will be at major FIFA competitions like the World Cup, both junior and senior tournaments and Olympic Games.
“It will also give him an opportunity to traverse the world and continue to fly Jamaica’s flag,” said Captain Burrell.
