Despite public pressure increasing following the Reggae Boyz failing to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts says he has no plans to resign as he believes the federation has been a success under his watch.

The national team returned to Kingston on Wednesday following their 0-1 loss to DR Congo in the final of the intercontinental play-offs at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, which saw them miss out on this summer’s tournament.

It was Jamaica’s last opportunity to be part of the global showpiece in the USA, Canada, and Mexico after missing out in last year’s final round of Concacaf World Cup qualifiers.

With the country now missing out on a seventh consecutive World Cup since their historic berth in 1998, there have been calls for the hierarchy of the JFF to step down.

However, Ricketts has ruled out that possibility, citing the federation’s achievements.

“The JFF is in the best position it has ever been. Best ever in terms of achievement, in terms of management, in terms of finances,” he said.

“People have a right to talk and to express how they feel, but we are strong and we are united and we are going forward. In eight years, we would have qualified for three World Cup tournaments, but if you miss out on the major one, then, of course, you’re going to come under some pressure.”

However, Ricketts admits they made some missteps during the qualification process.

“Once you don’t get things totally right, then you are bound to have negative implications. But none of us are perfect, so we just have to try our best to get things right for at least the next two qualifications that are on the horizon.”

Prior to the FIFA World Cup play-offs, Ricketts told the Jamaica Observer that missing the World Cup could be damaging to a number of its programmes due to the loss of an estimated $1.5 billion.

Ricketts says it will hurt, but the JFF will remain hopeful.

“Financially, we would have lost. This would have been a watershed moment for Jamaica and for Jamaica’s football,” he said.

“But we have to stay strong, we have to get things right, and we just have to move forward. The show has to go on, so we just have to regroup, reorganise, and move on.”

Rudolph Speid’s contract as head coach expired on Tuesday after being given the role on an interim basis last November following the departure of Steve McClaren.

While Ricketts wants Speid and his technical staff to continue, Speid says he is unsure of his future.

RICKETTS…people have a right to talk and to express how they feel but we are strong and we are united and we are going forward

Wray & Nephew spirit of football .

(From left) Reggae Boyz Bobby Reid, Joel Latibeaudiere, and Amari’i Bell exit the Norman Manley International Airport after arriving back on the island Wednesday evening after their FIFA World Cup play-off against New Caledonia and DR Congo last Thursday and Tuesday, respectively. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Former interim head coach Rudolph Speid arrives back on the island. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)