KINGSTON, Jamaica —Jamaica College says it is disappointed by the decision of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) to remove the school from the Walker Cup final after fielding ineligible player Jamone Lyle.

In a statement Tuesday, JC said it respects ISSA’s authority and competition rules, but is awaiting the formal written ruling to assess the next steps.

“Jamaica College also wishes to address recent public statements attributed to Waterhouse Football Club President, Mr Donovan White, suggesting that the college had been informed of the student-athlete’s professional contractual status prior to his participation in ISSA competitions. The college wishes to make it unequivocally clear that these assertions are incorrect,” JC said.

Jamaica College is calling for White to retract the inaccurate assertions and issue an appropriate public apology.

“The college believes that matters of this nature must be addressed responsibly, with accuracy, fairness and due regard for the reputations of all parties involved. Jamaica College remains committed to transparency, integrity, due process and the consistent application of the rules governing schoolboy football. Above all, the college’s immediate priority remains the welfare of the student-athlete, who is a minor, and the well-being of the wider football team. We ask that his privacy and future development be respected throughout this process,” the institution said.

READ: JC booted from Walker Cup for fielding ineligible player Jamone Lyle