The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, has withdrawn from the upcoming Premier League ahead of plans by Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) to return to the field of play under the Government’s latest relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. 

The UWI, Mona, which created history in 2015 when it qualified for the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL), has been struggling over the last few years to effectively meet the financial obligations required to keep The UWI Football Club (UWI FC), playing at this level. 

On June 21, Professor Dale Webber,  Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal, UWI, Mona, wrote to the PFJL to formally inform the body of the UWI FC’s “regrettable withdrawal” from the upcoming League amidst worsening financial constraints faced by the campus.  

“To comply with the requirement to have all players paid for their services, we offered scholarships to the entire squad. We have subsidized the team heavily over the last few years,” Webber wrote.

“Unfortunately, as of June 1, 2021, the scholarships for the players ended as did the contracts for the coaches and support staff. Additionally, the mounting peripheral costs have made it impossible for our cash-strapped institution to support the team any further,” the principal said.

“We have cherished our involvement in the League and when we are in a better financial position, we wish to return even if it means climbing the ladder again,” Webber added. 

The UWI FC booked its historic first spot at the 2015-2016 RSPL when it finished second in the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) All-Island Confederation play-off series.

The club has been supported over the years by the Mona campus, staff, students and alumni.