Western Bureau:

If someone should tell me that the J in the acronym JFF (Jamaica Football Federation) stands for jokers, I am afraid I would have very little basis on which to disagree, based on some of the federation's recent decisions, especially the elevation of Brazilian Alfredo Montesso to the post of technical director.

Unless I am badly mistaken, as technical director, the Brazilian is now the new head of the national football programme, which means that he has been promoted from being coach Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore's deputy to being his new boss, which is essentially making a mockery of the national programme.

If the new arrangement works as it does in other countries, it would mean that, when Jamaica's campaign in the 2014 World Cup resumes, Montesso will be giving the orders to coach Whitmore instead of vice-versa, which was the case when the campaign started.

Personally, I find the new arrangement rather untidy. In fact, it seemingly gives credence to rumours on the grapevine that there are elements within the ranks of the JFF who want to see the back of Whitmore because they feel he is too stubborn and refuses to be pushed around.

Only recently, a well-placed source told me that while JFF boss Captain Horace Burrell and coach Whitmore appear to be on the same page on public, behind the scenes, the situation is much different as they reportedly have varying views on a range of issues.

I believe that if elevating Montesso to be Whitmore's boss is the federation's way of nullifying the coach, it would be both shameful and distasteful. In fact, if I were in Whitmore's shoes, I would be demanding an explanation from the federation. The federation can't be saying he has their full support while at the same time exposing him to ridicule.

Surely, while Whitmore retains the title of head coach, there is still a question in my mind as to whether the development does not amount to a demotion of Whitmore. I rather suspect that there are persons in the JFF who are hoping that the new situation might so anger the former star player that he might just walk away from the job.

While the new situation might prove somewhat troublesome, especially if pride and ego come into the mix, I would want to urge Whitmore to stand his ground. At the same time, he should not allow himself to be trampled on. His record as head of the national team is better than any other local coach and, as such, he should not feel intimidated by the irrational conduct of others.

It is no secret that Whitmore's refusal to load the national team with substandard local-based players has caused some very influential persons in local football to be reportedly very unhappy with him. In fact, it would appear that some people are so upset that they would prefer to see the programme fail than to see Whitmore succeed.

I have long taken the position that, except for one or two local-based players, the vast majority of the players campaigning in the Red Stripe Premier League are of such poor quality that any comparison with former stars such as Walter Boyd, Onandi Lowe, Hector Wright and Paul 'Tegat' Davis would not only be disingenuous, but disrespectful.

I will continue to support the national team with or without Whitmore calling the shots, but I am really rethinking my position in regard to my support for the JFF. I believe there is too much parochialism in the federation as many persons seem to be favouring their clubs over country.

Feel free to send your feedback to adrianfrater@hotmail.com.