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Jamaica’s Speid joins FIFA’s technical ranks
October 08, 2025
Rudolph Speid, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) technical committee chairman, has earned another feather in his cap, after being selected to be a member of FIFA's technical development committee.
Speid, also technical adviser to senior national team coach Steve McClaren and sporting director/coach of Cavalier FC, has been most influential in the development of the sport locally, especially in recent years.
Although surprised by the ground-breaking appointment, Speid pointed out that people outside Jamaica are noticing his work and want to reward him for his contribution to Jamaica and regional football.
"I was a bit surprised, because this is not an easy post to be selected to, especially as a Jamaican.
But apparently they see something and they think I deserve this," he said.
Since becoming technical committee chairman Speid has been instrumental in making positive changes in the domestic football structure and national football programmes.
He has been an advocate and a leader in coaching education, while helping to establish clear coaching qualification standards for the various levels, which has significantly impacted the development of the sport across the Island
His exploits with local club Cavalier have also been outstanding, leading the club to back-to-back domestic championships, and three titles in five years, as well as to the second round of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
"Jamaica's football has improved a lot in the last five years. Areas like the women's premier league, the men's premier league, club licensing, coaching education, the rise of the national football academy. All of that came under my watch. People are seeing the work that I have done so nobody can say football is worse off than it was five years ago. And people outside are seeing the work and want to reward me for it," he stated.
FIFA technical committee consists of numerous subcommittees, and although Speid is not sure exactly what role he will play, he is ready and willing to offer his knowledge and experience on local, regional and Concacaf football.
"I don't know the fullness of what the role is going to be. But I am sure it will be for the benefit of football around the world.
"I know I can carry my experiences in Concacaf if they ask what could improve the technical capabilities here in the region.
"I don't know what I am expected to do as yet but whatever it is, I think I will be up to the task."
He added that making the FIFA technical committee is not an easy feat, and that he is grateful for the opportunity.
"It hasn't been easy getting here but it says that if you work hard in the interest of the sport, you'll be rewarded.
"I have worked hard. I also made sure I qualified myself as much as possible, both in coaching education and as a coach on the pitch.
"I think I've carved out a niche getting ordinary players to do extraordinary things. So people are seeing it and figure I can help at the highest level. So it is something that I am very grateful for."
Meanwhile, Speid will not be the only Jamaican representing Jamaica with the organisation. Former Netball Jamaica and World Netball president Molly Rhone has been named to the independent committees. Lawyer Ian Wilkinson will be a member of the adjudicatory chamber while Carlene Edwards, chairperson of the JFF First Instant Body, will also represent as a member of the women's national team competitions committee.
