Williams to step down as PFJL boss

CHAIRMAN OF the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) Chris Williams will call time on his tenure at the end of August.

The PFJL made the announcement in a press release yesterday from its directors.

According to Williams, who was quoted in the release, he needed to step away from the PFJL because it would not afford him the time to manage his other business interests.

“I am stepping down in order to ‘unretire’ in my business and professional life,” said Williams.

“I have a burning desire to build several other businesses. PFJL has my heart, but the time has come to refocus my energies,” he said.

Williams has been credited with the revitalisation of the Jamaica Premier League, turning it into a more regionally and internationally recognisable league.

The release pointed to more than $1 billion in commercial sponsorships from private sector partners as being one of his achievements, as well as the weekly broadcasting of live games on both free-to-air and cable TV, as well as online.

Williams has also been credited with expanding grassroots programmes, community development initiatives, and youth development initiatives through some of the PFJL’s partnerships.

According to the directors, Williams will be resigning at a time when the JPL’s trajectory is positive and the inner workings of the PFJL are stable.

The release went on to point out that there was now financial credibility and operational discipline as hallmarks.

Williams will still maintain relations with the PFJL and will act in an advisory role, read the release.

In particular, Williams will support the organisation in “capital raising, strategic sponsorship development, and special projects aligned with the growth of professional football”.

There will be a formal announcement of Williams’ replacement in a matter of weeks.