Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) presidential challenger Raymond Anderson has criticised the current administration for mistreating the senior Reggae Girlz, contributing to the resignation of Cedella Marley as the country’s global ambassador for women’s football.

In a statement issued on Friday, Anderson, who is vice-president to incumbent JFF boss Michael Ricketts, said Marley’s departure demonstrates the lack of trust in the federation, and that the resignation casts a shadow of suspicion over the administration.

“It is now clear that there has been a deliberate effort to discredit our two-time World Cup-qualifying Reggae Girlz. This squad, a beacon of hope and pride for our nation, has been let down. In just three months, the JFF has managed to undo what took Cedella Marley and everyone involved a decade to build,” the release stated.

“I utterly condemn the manner in which the Reggae Girlz and Ambassador Marley have been treated. The lack of communication, unfulfilled promises, and disregard shown are inexcusable. To see such disregard for the team, the handling of [former senior Girlz] coach Lorne Donaldson, and the dismantling of their structure after ascending to the Round of 16 in the World Cup, is not only a betrayal of trust but a tragic misstep,” Anderson said.

The statement further read: “…I, along with many others, have been left in the dark, excluded from decision-making processes that have led to this moment. The current administration has misrepresented facts, failed you, Cedella, and all those who believe in the power of our nation’s football.”

In her resignation letter last Thursday, Marley had indicated that the federation is “neither receptive nor interested” in her “current manner of support” and, as a result, she has stepped aside with immediate effect.

Marley stated that she would continue to support the Reggae Girlz journey through the Football is Freedom programme. The Bob and Rita Marley Foundations have also severed ties with the JFF in order to “reassess its priorities”.

Anderson indicated in the media release that if he is elected as JFF president on January 14, Marley will be welcomed back to the women’s football programme

He continued: “Importantly, as football stakeholders look to take a critical decision in seven days, I suggest that they carefully look at this development. What is it saying about the promises also made to them, what will it mean in respect of garnering local and international corporate support for funding of the program and what does it say as to where the sport could be going,” the statement said.

The JFF president had issued a statement regarding Marley’s decision to step away from the programme.

“I am saddened by the unfortunate decision of Miss Marley to cut ties with the women’s programme at this time. This is even more so as we are of the view that we had made significant progress in the discussions, and are just awaiting the World Cup players to come back to us and advise of their availability. We must thank Miss Marley and the Bob Marley Foundation for all the support that they have given over time,” Ricketts said.

“We want to assure her that the gains that have been made will be concretised as we move into the future. Through the programme, the JFF has managed to convince young girls that they have viable career paths in the game as it develops globally.

“Finally, we are happy that she will continue to lend support to local women’s football through the “Football is Freedom” initiative and are eager to offer any support that might be requested,” the statement added.