Charley’s JB Rum has committed to sponsoring the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Premier League Play-off to the tune of $9 million over three years.

It’s the first time the JFF Confederation Play-offs will have a sponsor, and JB Rum’s brand manager Pietro Gramegna was particularly delighted at a presentation yesterday at the corporates offices of J Wray and Nephew in New Kingston.

“Today marks an announcement of a historic partnership for Jamaica’s football and our JB Rum. It has been a pleasure to be able to unite all four confederations,” said Gramegna.

“It is imperative of us to provide them with a professional environment to facilitate their future promotion to the premier league,” he added.

The JFF Premier League Play-offs will consist of the four confederation champions. St James’ Granville United FC, the Western champion; Maverley Hughenden FC, the winner from Kingston and St Andrew; Brazil of St Ann, the Eastern champion and Clarendon’s Jamalco, the South Central winner. The top-two teams after six games will be promoted to the Red Stripe Premier League.

The play-offs will start on Sunday with Granville United hosting Maverley Hughenden, while Jamalco travel to Brazil. All games are set for 3:30 pm.

JFF’s executive Michael Ricketts congratulated the sponsor on their bold and historic move.

“This is indeed a most historic exercise because never have the play-offs been sponsored. So indeed we are a part of this most historic event this afternoon,” said Ricketts, the president of Clarendon Football Association and chairman of the South Central Confederation.

– Howard Walker