President of Treasure Beach Football Club, Paul Bernard, has sounded the alarm over delays in promised funding from Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) to Jamaica Premier League (JPL) clubs, warning that the financial difficulties facing teams could jeopardise preparations and even participation in the upcoming season.
With the new JPL season fast approaching, Bernard says clubs are struggling under mounting financial pressure after receiving only a fraction of the funding pledged by the league’s governing board.
“Each club has a member on that board, and they were promised $740,000 per month, which is a nine-month competition. This would bring us to $6.6 million, and we only received three payments of $400,000 each,” Bernard said.
He argues that the shortfall has left clubs scrambling to meet operational expenses, and this funding will be a determining factor in whether some teams, including Treasure Beach, return to the league.
“The promised funds were expected to alleviate these pressures, enabling clubs to invest in essential areas such as player development, facilities, and overall club infrastructure,” added Bernard.
The league started in August and ended in May, with an interruption in November due to Hurricane Melissa. The league restarted in December, but owing to damage in the west, Treasure Beach returned at a later date.
Despite sending multiple emails seeking resolution, Bernard said he has not received affirmative responses.
“I urge the federation to prioritise this matter and ensure that the funds owed to our Premier League teams, including Treasure Beach FC, are released without further delay, said Bernard.
“The delay in disbursing these funds has a ripple effect, stalling progress at all levels of the game. Coaches, players, and support staff are left in limbo, and the lack of financial stability undermines the integrity of our league,” added Bernard.
The league concluded with Portmore United crowned as champions when they defeated defending champions Cavalier SC on penalties.
According to Owen Hill, chief executive officer (CEO) of the PFJL, his organisation is committed to meeting all financial obligations.
“We do recognise that any delay in expected payments can impact their day-to-day operations. Those concerns aren’t taken lightly,” said Hill while highlighting the substantial support provided throughout the 2025-26 JPL season.
Hill stated that despite delays in the realisation of commercial revenues, PFJL has continued to provide both financial and in-kind support.
“The PFJL has provided solid support, financially and in-kind, to all 14 clubs while simultaneously managing significant competition, production, officiating, marketing, and operational costs to ensure the delivery of the 2025-26 JPL,” said Hill.
The upcoming JPL season is expected to begin in August.
“We ask our clubs to remain committed to the vision, patient with the process, and confident that the work being done today is laying the foundation for a stronger, more sustainable future for professional football in Jamaica,” added Hill.
As for Bernard, there is little to nothing a club in rural Jamaica can do.
“If they are a big entity, contracted by the commercial arm of the JFF to seek partnership on their behalf, and they cannot get another big entity, what can a small club like Treasure Beach in rural Jamaica, who suffered so much, do?” said Bernard.
