Dennis Chung, the seasoned financial expert and sports administrator who was courted into the top brass of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) years ago, pointed to his success in rerouting the federation on the right financial path as confirmation of his exit as general secretary arrived on Wednesday.

As first reported exclusively by the Jamaica Observer on May 8, the noted financial executive and chartered accountant has resigned and will demit office on May 31, following his almost three-year tenure in the position. His contract was set to expire in November.

In an official press release issued by the JFF on Wednesday, under the subject “General secretary to demit office on May 31, 2025”, it was stated that Chung’s resignation was accepted following internal discussions, though the document noted that “some issues needed to be addressed”.

The release also highlighted the JFF’s achievements under Chung’s oversight since taking over from Dalton Wint in November 2022, which included his role in cleaning up several governance shortcomings which led to FIFA lifting its financial restrictions on the federation, improvements in the organisation’s tax compliance and the posting of a positive equity position for the first time since 2005.

Chung expressed that he was pleased with the achievements of the administration and credited the staff for their commitment.

“It was indeed a pleasure to work with President Ricketts, and I am pleased that we were able to achieve the objectives we set out on. A lot of credit goes to the president who had the vision of what he wanted to achieve, as that is where it starts, and the staff at the JFF, who stuck to the task and got the job done,” said Chung.

“It wasn’t an easy road but we were able to safeguard the financial future of the JFF and Jamaica’s football. I am confident that we have the staff and processes in place to continue on this trajectory,” he added.

Chung will be taking up an appointment with the Financial Investigations Division as chief technical director on June 2, 2025.

Meanwhile, JFF President Michael Ricketts hailed Chung’s impact on football’s local governing body.

“I am happy that Dennis has achieved the goals of financial improvement in the JFF,” Ricketts said.

“The objective has been to get our financial house in order and then start to focus on the development of football in Jamaica, as it was always going to be difficult to have effective developmental programmes with the financial challenges we faced in 2022. I am sure that we will always be able to call on Dennis if we need his advice and I certainly wish him all the best in the future,” he added.

With Chung heading through the door, Ricketts is expected to provide an update on the reassignments of the role and responsibilities undertaken by Chung.

“In the coming days the president will advise the public on the arrangements that have already been put in place to ensure the continuity,” the release stated.

As previously reported by the Jamaica Observer, information from well-placed sources indicates that JFF General Manager Roy Simpson, who is currently in London with the Reggae Boyz for the Unity Cup, could be named as interim general secretary.

Departing Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) General Secretary Dennis Chung (right) speaks as JFF President Michael Ricketts looks on during a press conference at the JFF offices on April 18, 2024. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)