Premier League Clubs Association chairman Edward Seaga. - file

An $8 million cash injection from the National Commercial Bank (NCB) Foundation will make it possible for the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA) to host an awards ceremony and pay out prize money at the end of the season.

The clubs, including the eventual champion, were threatened by a dour end to the season following the PLCA's announcement last Friday that all incentives had been cancelled due to the collapse of sponsor, Cash Plus Limited.

In a press release yesterday, PLCA chairman Edward Seaga welcomed the shot in the arm provided by one of the island's largest banks.

"NCB understands the importance of football to the nation and especially for the stability of those communities in need of stimulants for peace and hope," Seaga, a former prime minister, said in the press release.

The statement also quoted Sheree Martin, CEO of the NCB Foundation, as saying, "this one-off contribution is to ensure that the league continues to motivate young people and encourage the participation of communities in football, which is a great stabilising factor for community development."

The PLCA is still short $20 million of its annual budget after only receiving $24 million from Cash Plus. Prior to the start of the season in September, both parties agreed to a $150-million, three-year deal. However, Cash Plus, branded as an alternative investment scheme, was hit with a cease-and-desist order by the courts in December and its principal, Carlos Hill, was arrested on April 10.

At a press briefing last Friday at the University of the West Indies, Seaga said the outstanding $20 million would have been split among the 12 clubs, the PLCA's operational expenses and fees for the referees and match commissioners. He also acknowledged it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure the additional funds but that the PLCA is still pursuing all options.

The 2007-08 National Premier League is scheduled to end on May 11, and Portmore United currently have an eight-point lead over Tivoli Gardens.