JC kicked out of Walker Cup final over player eligibility

Jamaica College’s hopes of lifting the ISSA Walker Cup have been dashed after the school was kicked out of the competition over questions surrounding the eligibility of one of its players.

The Old Hope Road-based school was removed from the knockout competition following a meeting of the ISSA disciplinary committee over midfielder Jamone Lyle.

The ruling comes after reports surfaced on Monday that Lyle, who is a minor, holds a signed professional contract with Jamaica Premier League club Waterhouse FC.

Under ISSA rules, players with professional contracts are ineligible to compete in its competitions, which are reserved for amateur players.

The rules, which have been in place since September 1, 2015, bar professionally contracted players from all ISSA competitions.

The development is a major blow for JC, which had advanced to the Walker Cup final before the eligibility issue came under scrutiny.

In a statement issued after the reports emerged, the school acknowledged the concerns surrounding the matter and asked that Lyle’s privacy be respected while it was being addressed.

JC's principal, Wayne Robinson, says it's a disappointing day for the school.

ISSA Competitions Officer Ewan Scott told TVJ Sports on Monday that the disciplinary committee would meet within 48 hours to determine what sanctions, if any, JC would face.

The committee has now ruled to remove the school from the competition, ending its Walker Cup campaign.

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