Newly promoted Digicel Premier League (DPL) club Benfica FC of St Ann are in turmoil following what seems to be a coup attempt to overthrow club chairman Tyrone Rose.

Club members claimed they have replaced Rose as chairman of the club with an interim board, headed by former police officer Shawn Sherwood. The committee also includes former Benfica president Barbara Black, former Benfica executive Jessica Royes, Councillor Desmond Gilmore, former Benfica players Otis Newlis and Rohan White, coach Damion McNally, and police corporal Marlon Spence.

However, Rose told the Observer yesterday that as far as he is concerned, he is still the man in charge.

“Of course, definitely. This is a registered entity with owners,” Rose said confidently.

But as to the attempted coup by club members, he was tight-lipped.

“The management cannot make a comment at this time, the situation is being arbitrated by the PFAJ (Professional Football Association of Jamaica) and a ruling is expected by next week,” added Rose.

“But afterwards we can talk because we know what is going to happen,” he added.

The Observer was unable to get a comment from the PFAJ.

The unrest is said to have started after two players were dismissed by the club recently, forcing a split with some club members claiming that Rose was being vindictive.

On Sunday night, a meeting was held at Lime Hall and an interim body put in place by the disgruntled members.

The Observer also understands that training was disrupted yesterday morning as the power struggle continued between the factions within the club.

Benfica broke a 14-year drought for the parish of St Ann in having a team in the highest league in the country when they gained promotion via the play-offs in June this year.

The last St Ann club to play in the top flight was Black Stars in the 1996/97 season.

The club which was founded in 1961, was initially called Lime Hall Community Football Club, before undergoing a name change in 1966 to Benfica Football Club.

The name came from Portuguese club Lisboa e Benfica, one of the most successful football clubs in Europe.

Benfica had one previous stint in the country’s top league in 1985, before suffering a slump, and re-emerged in recent times under Rose’s tutelage.

After losing their first two games in the DPL while gaining experience, Benfica have emerged as the surprised package to be in fifth spot on 17 points after the completion of the first round of games.

From 11 games, they have won five, drawn two and lost four times in the process knocking off seasoned clubs such as former champions Portmore United (2-1), along with St George’s (1-0) and are on a three-game winning streak, which includes champions Harbour View (1-0), Boys’ Town (2-1) and Reno (3-2).