Ricketts denies hex round change

Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts has denied claims that Concacaf will move to a new format for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ricketts said that the regional body has not informed the federation of any plans to abandon its six-team format, known as the hexagonal round, for a 12-team structure that would split into three groups of four as was first reported by Panamanian outlet RPC.

Straight rumours

"Concacaf has not proposed a new format," Ricketts said. "All you have been hearing are straight rumours. They have not made a determination as to whether they will change the format. If there are changes, I am sure that we will be one of the first ones to be advised."

Local football enthusiasts have lamented the speculative format, saying that it would put Jamaica at a greater disadvantage to qualify for the FIFA World Cup set for Qatar in 2022.

After a strong showing in the Concacaf Nations League, the Reggae Boyz have improved their FIFA world ranking by eight spots in a year, to 48th, which takes them to fourth in Concacaf and secures them a spot in the hex.

With three and half spots to play for to get to Qatar, this is seen as one of the senior Reggae Boyz's best chances in recent times to make it to football's flagship tournament.