KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC-World’s football governing body, FIFA, has ordered Jamaica to install back up power generators at the National Stadium in time for next year’s final round of CONCACAF’s World Cup-qualifying campaign.
A letter from FIFA to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) warns that the Reggae Boyz five home games in the final round could be played in the day time if the country does not comply with safety rules.
The final CONCACAF round is due to kick-off on January 6 and Jamaica has home games against USA, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras.
However Independence Park Limited (IPL), the state-owned company that manages the National Stadium, has confirmed the facility is not equipped with back-up power.
FIFA says a lack of back-up power is not in keeping with article 11.2 of the FIFA Safety Regulations.
“In the event of a power failure, there shall be emergency lighting provided by a back-up power supply,” the regulation said in part.
The prices of industrial standby power output systems range between US$12,000 for a 25 kilowatt unit and US$30,000 for the 125 kilowatt unit.
IPL says it’s making every effort to have the back-up system installed at the stadium.
“We are looking to rent four standby generators for the floodlights, one for each tower,” declared Desmon Browne, General Manager IPL, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.
FIFA inspectors will visit the National Stadium 30 days before the final round begins on February 6 to ensure a back-up system has been installed.
