Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Stewart

Following a third week of postponement, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) yesterday announced that the way is now clear for the National Premier League (NPL), under the banner of new title-sponsors Digicel, to finally get under way.

The competition originally slated to begin on August 31 had to be postponed due to the passage of Tropical Storm Gustav, but suffered two subsequent postponements as the JFF and Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) wrangled over contractual arrangements, which prevented pen being put to paper.

However, according to both the JFF and PLCA, which met yesterday evening, those issues have now been sorted out and the new date set for the league to begin is Sunday, September 21.

"Everybody was anxious to get the competition underway so we are all relieved that we were able to come together and resolve the situation," PLCA deputy chairman, Carvel Stewart, told The Gleaner.

"There was really just one major issue that had to be ironed out before we signed the contract and it has been resolved now, so now both parties are keen to move forward," he added. The proposed new joint venture company, which is expected to oversee operations of the NPL, is also expected to become a reality for the new season.

Next weekend's fixture will remain the same with defending champions Portmore United slated to face parish rivals Rivoli United at Ferdie Neita Park, in the feature match.

Other matches slated for that Sunday are last season's runners-up Tivoli Gardens matching up against newly promoted Meadhaven United at the Edward Seaga Complex, Boys' Town will tackle Arnett Gardens at Collie Smith Drive, Harbour View will take on Reno at Harbour View, St Georges will travel to Waterhouse and Sporting Central will host Village United at Brancourt.