KINGSTON, Jamaica — Omar McFarlane has stepped down as operations manager of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), saying the decision was made to assist the cash-strapped organisation as it undergoes restructuring. He will continue serving the federation as its global youth ambassador.

McFarlane, who was appointed global youth ambassador in May 2024, later served as acting general manager from June 2025 before being named operations manager in January 2026.

“The federation is working through a tough financial period right now, and after a World Cup qualifying campaign that didn’t go the way any of us hoped, some restructuring is needed. Management has initiated that process, and I respect a needed reorganisation, and I’d rather support it than be a bottleneck to it,” said McFarlane.

Explaining his decision, he added, “In an effort to be transparent and ensure there are no conflicts in roles at the Jamaica Football Federation, I’m reverting to my role as the global youth ambassador. In this role, I have provided financial support to the youth teams through my various businesses.”

McFarlane said he has contributed $30 million to local football over the past two years and plans to focus more on grassroots development.

“I will now spend more time on the ground, more time in the schools, the parishes, the communities, where this game actually gets built,” he said.

He also highlighted the work of the YO Sports & Art Foundation, which he established with his wife, Yendi Phillips-McFarlane.

“Alongside my wife, we have established the YO Sports & Art Foundation. Through the foundation, we have a vision of 12 projects lined up over the next 12 months supporting grassroots programmes, youth development, basic school tournaments and referee support across the island. In addition to several initiatives supporting the arts,” McFarlane said.

Reflecting on his time in the JFF’s administrative ranks, McFarlane expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve while stressing that his commitment to Jamaican football remains unchanged.

“I’m proud of and grateful for the opportunity to serve in several different capacities at the federation, but for now, just know I’m not going anywhere. I want to emphasise that this was a mutual decision with the federation. Jamaican football will always have me in its corner,” he said.