‘We only trained’ - Portmore denies allegation of unsanctioned match

Portmore United has denied the allegation that teams took part in football matches with National Premier League counterparts Cavalier, and Santos. If true, this would mean that the teams broke the Government's COVID-19 protocols. The club says that it only conducted a combined training session.

The club says that all government protocols regarding large public gatherings were met.

No football has been played locally since March because of the pandemic. However, clubs were recently granted approval to resume training, albeit with safety and health restrictions.

All received letters

Portmore United, Cavalier and Santos all received letters from the sports ministry last Friday, asking them to confirm their participation in a football match between the clubs on Wednesday, November 4, at Santos.

The letter also requested information regarding being granted approval from the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) and the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), and that the clubs face punishment as a result.

"Please be advised that if no approval was granted for the hosting of these matches, the club would be considered to be in breach of the Disaster Risk Management Act, and more specifically, the [Enforcement Measures], [No 15] Order 2020, and liable for sanction. Your prompt response is appreciated," the letters read.