By Howard Walker Observer writer walkerh@jamaicaobserver.com
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Sources say JFF unanimous in decision to sack coach
Technical director Velibor "Bora" Mulutinovic has been booted by new Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Captain Horace Burrell, impeccable sources told the Observer, in light of some shocking revelations from the JFF.
According to the sources, Mulutinovic will be replaced by Jamaica's most successful coach, Brazilian Rene Simoes, who is expected to take charge in the Reggae Boyz's next International Friendly on November 21 against Guatemala. Simoes was in charge when the Reggae Boyz made an historic appearance at the World Cup Finals in France back in 1998.
New treasurer, Gary Sinclair (right), outlines irregularities in the JFF accounts while president Captain Horace Burrell (centre), and general secretary Horace Reid look on during a press conference at the JFF headquarters yesterday. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)
At yesterday's press conference at the JFF headquarters in New Kingston, Burrell refused to confirm or deny Mulutinovic's sacking, saying they (the JFF) had reviewed the latter's contract and made a unanimous decision.
Said Burrell: "I know most of you are indeed waiting to hear all the details surrounding this matter and it has to do with coach Bora. The new board, having met on two occasions, have taken a unanimous decision on the issue of the technical director, the details of which... I cannot disclose at this time as I have not yet met with Mr Bora."
According to Burrell, he is expected to have dialogue with the technical director today.
SIMOES. Guided historic World Cup qualification in 1998
Quizzed repeatedly as to the future of the Serbian-born coach, Burrell held firm, saying, "The board has taken a unanimous decision as to the future where Mr Bora is concerned."
Mulutinovic, 63, took over as technical director on November 15, 2006, and is the person along with former president Crenston Boxhill, who has been most chastised for Jamaica's poor FIFA ranking and lack of confidence among the players.
In some shocking revelations yesterday, Burrell and his executives made informed reports that the JFF coffers are empty and as such, he has had to suspend the female programme.
"The treasurer has discovered that there is absolutely no money in the JFF coffers," revealed Burrell.
The female National Under-17 team is due to depart on November 19 for their World Cup Qualifiers in Antigua, and the Senior squad scheduled to leave on November 22 for their second-round Olympic Qualifier either in Cuba or Puerto Rico.
"Due to the precarious financial position of the JFF we are unable to proceed with two training camps which were planned before. There are two important international engagement for the female national teams," noted Burrell.
The training camps were immediately dismantled and according to Burrell, he will be meeting with the government to assist with the $4 million needed for the female programme.
New treasurer, Gary Sinclair, said he spent the better part of yesterday (Monday) going over a variety of issues and has put together a preliminary financial report which shows the JFF "in the red" to the tune of $95m.
"The current bank balance on a consolidated basis is $-7.4m. Inclusive in that are cheques drawn for $1.3m in salaries due to JFF staff members. In addition to this are outstanding cheques drawn and not issued to a variety of local providers of good and services, which has left us in negative cash position," said Sinclair.
According to the treasurer, the JFF receivables are $27.7m and payables are $83.4m. The JFF owes $23.9m to the technical director; $22.5m to the English Football Association; $16.4m in statutory deductions, including $9m due to PAYE, and $5m to the Premier League clubs.
"This is frightening. The entire nation was led to believe that the Federation was making a profit," said Burrell.
In the meantime, striker Marlon King's disciplinary ban has been lifted by the JFF for what they say was too harsh a penalty, after reviewing the Watford player's case.
"As in respect to Marlon King, based on representation received, we have looked at the issue and a reprieve has been granted to Mr King. King is now eligible to represent Jamaica," confirmed JFF's first vice-president, Dale Spencer.
Jamaica should also play El Salvador on November 18, but Burrell said it has not been confirmed as he has not yet received the letter from the El Salvador football authorities.
He said every overseas-based Jamaican player will be called up for the two friendlies to be played at the National Stadium.
