As the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) celebrates a major milestone of being removed from FIFA’s restricted funding list, which marks the end of a challenging five-year period, President Michael Ricketts and General Secretary Dennis Chung made it clear that the hard work isn’t over.

FIFA imposed funding restrictions on the JFF in 2020, as the world governing football body cited concerns over governance and financial structures. Under these constraints, the JFF received smaller, more frequent disbursements rather than full funding at once, with FIFA closely monitoring its financial practices.

Now, after years of reforms, the JFF has regained full access to FIFA funds, a development Ricketts called "absolutely delightful."

Ricketts credited the team behind the turnaround, as he highlighted the crucial role played by the JFF’s accounting department and Chung.

“The process was long and tedious, but we were intent on getting things right. After several consultations with FIFA, we finally received official documentation that the restrictions had been removed," Ricketts shared during a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

Michael Ricketts (left) and Dennis Chung.

"They were very comfortable and happy with where we are now. The onus certainly will be on us to ensure that we continue on this trajectory to ensure that we continue to do things how they want us to. We are doing very well from a fiscal perspective, and it would be remiss of me not to mention the team from the accounting department that has done very well. So we are happy," he added.

The changes were not just on paper. According to FIFA Head of MA Finance Services Christoph Suppiger, the improvements were significant. The JFF upgraded its accounting software, improved procurement procedures, and adopted an online banking system.

"The level of supporting documents has massively improved," Suppiger noted, adding that FIFA auditors had observed these positive changes over multiple reviews.

The JFF currently receives about US$1 million annually, with additional project-based funding available through the FIFA Forward Programme. The removal of restrictions means the JFF can now receive these funds in larger instalments, allowing more flexibility in planning and executing projects.

Christoph Suppiger

Suppiger confirmed that the JFF could access up to US$3 million per approved project and US$1.25 million annually for operational costs.

"For each financial year, in order to get the full amount of US$1.25 million, member associations have to fulfil certain criteria related to football. Also, they need to fulfil the criteria of having competitions for women, girls, and boys to access the full funding," he shared.

For Chung, the priority now is ensuring that the organization doesn’t slip back into old habits.

“Although we are announcing this, this is by no means anything to rest on. We need to continue this journey and improve processes to ensure we don’t disappoint those who have supported us,” Chung said.

He pointed to the shift in organizational culture as a key factor.

"When I joined in 2022, at 11:30am, I was the only one in the office. Now, it’s totally different," he revealed.

Despite the restrictions being lifted, FIFA will continue its regular audits, and the JFF must submit monthly financial reports. Additionally, the JFF will undergo annual external audits to maintain transparency.

Chung sees these mechanisms as beneficial, reinforcing the systems that have been put in place.

"Going forward, the president spoke to the commitment to ensure that there is proper financial governance, and also, remember that we have in place our internal controls and accounting systems and policies. So all of those things we have in place, and we just need to ensure that we continue with them with the help of the FIFA audit and also our external audit, which we are completing now, and it will be completed by the end of March. So we will ensure that we continue to comply," Chung declared.

Ricketts reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline.

“We will not go back there as long as I am president. We’ve satisfied our parent organization, and the onus is now on us to stay on this path," Ricketts ended.