Jamaican football administrator Carlene Edwards has returned from her inaugural FIFA committee meetings in Qatar with renewed optimism for the future of women’s football. Appointed to the Women’s National Team Competitions Committee in October alongside fellow Jamaicans Michael Ricketts and Rudolph Speid, Edwards participated in strategic discussions with global football leadership from December 15-19.
During the intensive sessions in Doha, Edwards engaged with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and committee members from across the world, helping to crystallize the organization’s vision for expanding women’s football globally. The 20-member committee, chaired by China’s Sun Wen with Estonia’s Anne Rei as deputy chair, bears responsibility for overseeing FIFA women’s competitions including the Women’s World Cup.
“My first meeting in Qatar was a very meaningful experience and one that Jamaica can truly capitalise on,” Edwards told the Jamaica Observer. “I’m excited to contribute to decisions that will shape women’s national team competitions globally while ensuring that the perspectives of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean continue to be represented.”
The marketing and communications expert, credited with developing Jamaica’s successful club licensing program, emphasized the dual opportunity to both learn from international best practices and amplify Jamaica’s voice in critical decision-making processes. Beyond boardroom discussions, Edwards witnessed high-level football firsthand, attending the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and CR Flamengo, plus the FIFA Arab Cup final featuring Morocco and Jordan.
The committee, which includes representatives from six continents including Haiti’s Monique Andre, England’s Sue Day, and Brazil’s Aline Pellegrino, is scheduled to convene twice annually with one in-person meeting and one virtual session. Edwards’ appointment marks a significant milestone for Caribbean representation in football’s global governance structures.