Latest News
Wint defends RSPL fines
October 17, 2019
Jamaica Football Federation general secretary Dalton Wint says the body exercised discretion in handing down what many consider to be small fines to players for recent disciplinary issues in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL).
Sanctions were levied on seven players and a coach earlier this week for various acts of indiscipline in recent RSPL matches. This include Humble Lion player Mikhail Harrison, who was given a one-match ban and a fine of $1,000 for foul language, while representing Arnett Gardens in a game against Cavalier last season on March 24. Dunbeholden's DeAndre Thomas received the same punishment but for violent conduct during a game against Cavalier on September 1. Molynes United's Fakibi Farquharson also received a fine of $1,000 for a red card against UWI on September 8. However, some members of the public believe these fines are too small to act as a deterrent to indiscipline.
Financial struggles
Wint says the JFF considered the financial struggles of RSPL clubs when deciding on the fines and also in its decision not to increase them for future purposes.
"The committee sits and has discussions and takes a lot of things into consideration when making those judgements," he told STAR Sports. "But based on the league and the economical situation of our league, we thought not to increase it. But it's something that we review every year and we will have it reviewed again next year and see if we should increase it."
Wint explained that the operations and disciplinary committee usually makes the recommendations and whichever is agreed on and finalised would be the benchmark for disciplinary sanctions throughout the season. However, when asked whether these fines serve as a deterrent to indiscipline, Wint did not provide an answer.
The RSPL rules and regulations' lowest fine is one of $500 for cautions, while the minimum fee that accompanies a suspension for being sent off during a game is $1,000. For serious incidents or acts of violence, the minimum fine is $2,200, which goes with a six-match ban.
