Chairman of Montego Bay United Johann “Yoni” Epstein has called for the return of Christopher Williams as head of Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL).

Epstein’s comments follow the resignation of Livingstone Morrison, who had replaced Williams.

Morrison’s resignation took effect on February 28, 2026. Prior to that Williams had been chairman of the PFJL until he resigned effective September 1, 2025.

The Jamaica Observer has learnt that Donovan White, president of Waterhouse FC, is to act as interim chairman of the PFJL, the entity which markets and promotes the country’s marquee club football competition, the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

White’s stint is limited to an interim basis because the memorandum of understanding with the Jamaica Football Federation dictates that the full-time chairman has to be independent.

Epstein, who has been Montego Bay United chairman for the last three years, described Williams as a “passionate, driven” individual. Epstein told the Observer that against the backdrop of revenue downturn in the JPL, Williams’s marketing skills were severely missed.

Epstein said on Wednesday that while the JPL was an “excellent product”, it “still has a way to go”.

The league, he said, needs to find ways to generate revenue.

“Football is a business and must be seen as such and we have to find ways to generate revenue. Chris has done it before and he can do it again,” Epstein said.

The chairman of the St James-based club said Livingstone had made an impact during his short stay.

“He did a phenomenal job in bringing greater governance, a greater mindset towards financials and the financial viability of the company… as well as improving structures and governance.”

But he added that the promoting company now needs the marketing passion that Williams brought to the job.

“The business of the PFJL is effectively a marketing and sales and promotions organisation. Chris Williams was the head of it when I came in, and up until mid last year, I think he did a great job in leading the team, in driving that sales and marketing performance. You know, the number one job is to raise sponsorship, to fund the league, to be able to pay dividends to the shareholders, which are the clubs, as well as to drive marketing and promotions around broadcast, to be able to generate income off a broadcast and further strengthens the sustainability of the league,” he explained.

“We need to be on the front foot, selling our product, selling marketing, selling advertising, selling sponsorship to drive fan engagement, to drive income to clubs, which further makes the league more sustainable. So I think we should have a little bit of introspection and look at calling Mr Williams back to the chairmanship because I think he added tremendous value to the league,” Epstein added.

Paul Christie, sporting director of St Ann-based Mount Pleasant FA, echoed Epstein’s sentiments. He said Mount Pleasant would welcome the return of Williams, describing such a move as a “no-brainer”.

Christie told the Observer that Williams “had taken to league to another level, in a positive way”.

He said the ex-chairman not only worked for the sport, “he lived it, he was totally immersed, totally committed to the improvement of football”.

“It was a sad day when Chris stepped away… where we are now is a testament to the work he did. He will always be part of the PFJL family and myself and Mount Pleasant will always endorse his return,” Christie reiterated.

Epstein said a strong JPL positively impacts the national team and would help boost the chances of qualification for senior men’s World Cups. “We need to look ahead in the next five years and see how we’re going to make football the greatest not only in Jamaica, but in the in the region. If the JPL is strong, the national team is strong, and there’s no reason why Jamaica should ever not get into a World Cup, and the Jamaica Premier League that he has a huge role to play in that… and strong independent leadership is what will help to drive that from this level,” the Montego Bay United chairman emphasised.

EPSTEIN… Chris Williams was the head of it when I came in, and up until mid-last year, I think he did a great job in leading the team (Photo: Observer file)

CHRISTIE… myself and Mount Pleasant will always endorse his return

In this May 2025 file photo, Mount Pleasant FA’s Sue-Lae McCalla (left) tackles Demario Phillips of Montego Bay United during a Jamaica Premier League football encounter. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

Christopher Williams, former chairman of Professional Football Jamaica Limited (Photo: Garfield Robinson)