The Reggae Girlz have detailed various reasons for the senior players withdrawal from the upcoming October international window for the first-ever Women’s Gold Cup Qualifiers.
On Friday, it was announced that the squad who achieved a historic Round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup rejected the call-ups for the qualifiers.
In a statement released on Saturday via the team’s social media, the squad said they are taking a stance against the “constant mistreatment” they have received from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF).
“As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent Jamaica. It is our job to perform to the best of our ability and put all of our efforts into representing our country, making our fans, loved ones at home, and diaspora proud,” they said, adding that “due to the current circumstances the Jamaica Football Federation has put us in, we would not be able to do our job.
“We have received information about our coaching staff, medical staff, and equipment staff in an untimely manner and through unprofessional communication. We have gotten confirmation of our head coach 3 days prior to our report date through social media, despite our efforts to have direct communication with the JFF,” they said.
The Reggae Girlz also said that they have yet to receive full and correct payments for their historic performances at the World Cup and the numerous outstanding bonuses for qualifying in the summer of 2022.
Rift between Reggae Girlz and JFF
The development is the latest in an ongoing saga between the JFF and the Reggae Girlz.
Read: Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz grapples with senior player absences for Gold Cup qualifiers
On Friday, the JFF announced the suspension of the selection of senior Reggae Girlz players who achieved a historic Round of 16 finish at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The suspension of player selection followed the rejection of call-ups by all senior players for the upcoming CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifiers. These matches are set to take place away to Panama next Wednesday and at home to Guatemala the following Sunday.
In a written communication addressed to the players, the JFF expressed its discomfort with the players’ response and the absence of player representatives at a scheduled meeting on Friday.
The JFF emphasized its willingness to address all concerns raised by team members in accordance with their contracts, stating, “If there is a grievance or concern, this must be placed squarely on the table to be addressed and documented to the JFF.”
