FIFA pays tribute to Irvino English
Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has joined the local football community in honouring the memory of former national player Irvino English. In a letter addressed to the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts, FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid tribute to the late former Waterhouse FC stalwart who was shot and killed on Ashoka Road in Waterhouse, St Andrew, on February 26. The letter was posted on the club’s Instagram page on Wednesday. In his remarks Infantino recognised English’s contributions to his former club Waterhouse as well as his aspirations in the coaching side of the game.
“I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of former international player Irvino English. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss,” the letter read.
CONTRIBUTIONS
In praising the late Arnett Gardens and Wolmer’s assistant coach Infantino said his contributions to the local game will be remembered and extended his condolences to the JFF and the former player’s family members.
“As a respected goalscorer and promised to a bright coaching career, his legacy and trajectory on and off the pitch will not be forgotten and he will be truly missed. On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the Jamaica Football Federation and his family, friends and loved ones. We hope that these memories and our words of support may help bring some peace and solace at this difficult time,” the letter concluded.
English made five appearances for the Reggae Boyz between 2001 and 2002 and helped to guide Waterhouse to the national club title in the 1997/98 season. On Sunday before their Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) game against UWI FC at the Waterhouse Mini
Stadium, the club held a minute’s silence in memory of their former player. Waterhouse went on to win the game 3-1 to maintain their lead atop the table. They face Arnett Gardens