THE EDITOR, Sir:THE JAMAICA Football Federation was very disappointed with the headline on your sports page of December 14 entitled 'Sponsors turn backs on JFF'.
We were particularly disturbed because (one) the headline bore absolutely no resemblance to the content of the article and (two) the headline does not reflect the true situation existing between the JFF and sponsors.
We wish for the records to state the facts which we ask you to give equal exposure to:
Some of our sponsorship deals were tied to progress on the Journey to Germany campaign. With the exit from that journey those sponsorships ended. This closure is totally legitimate, mutually agreed on based on the structure of the contract and relates to three companies.
DIALOGUE IN PROGRESS
We have been having dialogue with the three companies and they have all committed to renegotiate sponsorship deals around the new development thrust of the JFF. We are very confident that early in the New Year these new deals will become manifest.
Already two of these three sponsors have indicated good faith and intention by giving cash sponsorship totalling $3.2 million.
Active negotiations are presently in place with a number of companies which we also expect to bear fruit over the coming period.
The federation is presently planning a major activity for January to unveil all components of its development programme, following which we have confidence that sponsors will align themselves to the appropriate area in fitting with their needs.
It is not yet one month since the Journey to Germany campaign ended. The federation has publicly stated its vision and its new direction in a development programme that is youth-based and wide-ranging. Any responsible sponsor would need time to get details and work out how their brand can best be associated with the programme. This time of year is also particularly challenging for many of our potential sponsors with the Christmas celebrations as well as budgets being planned.
NO EASY ROAD
The Jamaica Football Federa-tion does not expect it to be an easy road and fully shares the disappointment of not only sponsors but fans. Based on the national consensus of support we have received around the development thrust, we are confident that well-thinking sponsors and football-loving fans will give unswerving support.
Finally, the JFF is very appreciative of all the sponsorship support it has received from all our sponsors and look forward to establishing new and even stronger alliances.
We must prepare for the present and the future.
I am, etc.,
JANICE ROSE-BROWN
Marketing Manager
Jamaica Football Federation
