The Combination – formed in 1975 and run by volunteers ever since – was officially scrapped by its own clubs last night in favour of a merger with the sport’s governing body. The deal is set to bring extra funding and more streamlined administration as part of a new league pyramid from 2019/20.
A new sponsor has already been lined up to support the league from this summer – bringing prize money back for top performers both on and off the field.
Little will change for players and coaches, although clubs will be invited by the JFA to discuss potential improvements and adjustments, particularly given the upcoming debut of Jersey Bulls FC in the UK.
With Jersey Scottish absent from the meeting, clubs voted 15-0 in favour of JFA chief executive Jean-Luc Desbois’ formal proposal at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, after all 16 offered a provisional, non-binding agreement to further discussions last August.
Desbois said: ‘I’m really pleased … it’s a very good move for Jersey football.
‘It has been a long time coming and the speed that the clubs and Combination voted was terrific. It shows a sign of intent and shows we can work together in an efficient way.
‘It’s going to bring more money into the game, which is much-needed by the clubs, and we’re now looking forward to a prosperous future for Jersey football.’
Full story in Wednesday’s JEP.
