Tide rising at Treasure Beach? Source says players threatening strike; Club president rubbishes claims

A STAR Sports source has indicated that trouble is brewing at Treasure Beach Football Club, with players threatening strike action over alleged delayed payments and growing concerns about their treatment by the club’s management.

However, those claims have been shot down by Treasure Beach FC president, Paul Bernard, who says there is no strike action.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the source said players are increasingly distressed over their treatment and uncertain about their future with the club.

“From last season we were going through this, but coming back this season, they said it would be better, so the players just made up their mind to return. But we returned, and it’s the same thing, no difference,” said the source.

The source said players decided on Tuesday to strike after management failed to communicate with them about the lack of funds.

“We finalised it because nobody said anything about the pay. When we called everybody, nobody answered. When they do answer, they say no money is there. It makes no sense we are here; it is a waste of time, so we decided to go home,” added the source, noting that players are owed wages for August and September.

The strike, according to the source, involves players refusing to return to camp or attend training sessions.

However, the players intend to honour their upcoming match on Sunday in an effort to maintain their competitive standards, while refusing to participate in regular training until their grievances are addressed.

“Well, the plan is just to go out there and enjoy. We said basically we all got to win, but basically we’re not returning to camp or back at training till we get paid,” the source said.

The source also said players feel “unloved” and “unappreciated” by the club’s owners.

“No love is there. Maybe a few management people, probably two or three, but there is no love. You call them, you can’t get them, and they’re not returning your call,” the source said.

“We don’t feel like the players are going to be here until December. About four players are at camp now, and they said they’re going home. It’s a case where maybe not everyone is going to be at Sunday’s game,” the source said, adding that management needs to be more organised and improve communication with the players.

“They are running a club, but they are not ready for the Jamaica Premier League. They are not ready for this,” the source added.

Meanwhile, Treasure Beach FC president Paul Bernard said management was unaware of any strike action, acknowledging only delays in player payments.

“From the management perspective, we are not aware that nobody is on strike. The secretary went there Tuesday night and spoke to 15 players. I was informed that 20 players are there, so we know nothing about any strike because of delays in payment. That is far from the truth,” said Bernard.

“We always have delays in payment. That is not new. The payment was due on Monday the 28th. They responded, and those concerns were readdressed,” he added.

In June, Bernard said that delays in promised funding from Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) to Jamaica Premier League clubs, combined with teams’ financial difficulties, could jeopardise preparations and even participation in the upcoming season.

At the time, Bernard said clubs were struggling under mounting financial pressure after receiving only a fraction of the funding pledged by the league’s governing body.

In defending the club’s support of its players, Bernard said Treasure Beach provides two large meals daily, jersey laundering, water and internet access.

“They are not fending for themselves. We are the only club that houses people and gives them two big meals every day,” Bernard said, noting that management believes these provisions distinguish Treasure Beach from other clubs.

“The players are in the camp, and training is going on, so I don’t know nothing about what the source is speaking of,” he added.

Treasure Beach, who sit 12th in the standings, will host last-place Humble Lion on Sunday at St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) Sports Complex at 3 p.m.

ashley.anguin@

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