The Executive Committee of the Dominica Football Association (DAF), at a meeting with club representatives on Wednesday, 15th February 2023, announced an increase in prize money for championship winners for 2023.
The meeting, which was requested by the clubs, as they begin preparations for the 2023 season, saw several matters being resolved amicably. One of the matters that brought joy to the faces of the club representatives was the announcement of increased cash prizes for the various winners as well as for all clubs. Premiere Division champions will now receive $25 000 which is an increase of $5000. The second-placed club will receive $17 000 while the 3rd placed club will walk away with $7000. It is the first time that the third-placed club will walk away with a cash prize.
The Division One winner as well as the winner of the Women’s Division will walk away with $15 000 each with the second-placed clubs netting $10 000. Previously, the winners received $10 000.
The DFA also announced that each of the 32 clubs registered for the 2023 season will receive a base cash gift of $5000. In addition to this amount, each Premiere Division club with a Division One team and a Women’s team will receive an addition $2000 each for each team. Financial support will also be provided for clubs with under 15 teams in the amount of $1500.
Other matters discussed at the meeting were the calendar of activities for the 2023 season as well as the playing fields which will be used to host matches. The performance of the referees came up for some discussion since the representatives were of the opinion that the refereeing has not been up to accepted standards. The DFA is expected to meet the refereeing fraternity on Thursday, February 16, 2023, from 5 pm at the football house at Bath Estate.
The 2023 season will officially kick off on Friday, 24th February 2023 with the Premiere Division. The Division One league is expected to commence shortly thereafter.
The President of the DFA, Mr. Glen Etienne thanked the clubs for their participation at the meeting and their positive contributions made. He said that the DFA was committed to assisting the clubs in whatever way possible.
A total of 14 clubs attended the meeting. 32 clubs have been licensed to participate in the various leagues for the year 2023.
The prize-giving ceremony for the recently concluded Patrick John Cup and the President Cup will take place in the first week of April.