A significant leadership vacuum in Jamaican professional football has prompted influential club figures to advocate for the return of former chairman Christopher Williams to helm Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL). The call comes following the recent departure of Livingstone Morrison, whose resignation became effective on February 28, 2026.
Johann ‘Yoni’ Epstein, chairman of Montego Bay United, has emerged as the most vocal proponent for Williams’ reinstatement. Epstein, who has led his club for three years, characterized Williams as a ‘passionate, driven’ leader whose marketing expertise is desperately needed amid revenue declines in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).
The PFJL, responsible for marketing and promoting Jamaica’s premier club competition, has appointed Donovan White, president of Waterhouse FC, as interim chairman. However, this arrangement remains temporary due to memorandum requirements with the Jamaica Football Federation mandating an independent full-time chairman.
Epstein emphasized the business imperative of football, stating, ‘We have to find ways to generate revenue. Chris has done it before and he can do it again.’ While acknowledging Morrison’s ‘phenomenal job’ in enhancing governance and financial structures during his brief tenure, Epstein stressed that the organization now requires the marketing passion that Williams previously demonstrated.
The Montego Bay United chairman elaborated on Williams’ proven track record: ‘Chris Williams was the head when I came in, and until mid-last year, he did a great job leading the team, driving sales and marketing performance. The primary objective is to secure sponsorship, fund the league, provide dividends to club shareholders, and generate broadcast revenue.’
This sentiment found resonance with Paul Christie, sporting director of Mount Pleasant FA, who endorsed Williams’ return as a ‘no-brainer.’ Christie praised Williams for elevating the league to new heights, noting his complete immersion and commitment to football development. ‘It was a sad day when Chris stepped away… where we are now is a testament to the work he did,’ Christie remarked.
Epstein further connected league strength to national team success, asserting that a robust JPL would enhance Jamaica’s World Cup qualification prospects. He emphasized the need for ‘strong independent leadership’ to position Jamaican football as the region’s premier sporting product over the next five years.