Reggae Girlz and JFF fail to resolve impasse, as new squad named for Gold Cup Qualifiers

Efforts to resolve the ongoing impasse between the Reggae Girlz and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) appear to have been unsuccessful, as the scheduled meeting between the two parties did not take place.

As a result, several key members of the Reggae Girlz squad, who achieved historic success by reaching the round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand earlier in the summer, have not been selected for the upcoming matches against Panama and Guatemala in the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup qualifying games.

The first-choice Reggae Girlz had previously opted not to make themselves available for the opening legs of the two games in the October FIFA window, citing concerns related to compensation and other issues. Consequently, an understrength team had to be assembled hastily for Jamaica’s qualifiers against Panama and Guatemala.

Regular first-team players omitted

Interim head coach Xavier Gilbert had expected to have access to the full complement of players for the November window, but that has not materialized, as regular first-team players have once again been omitted from the squad for the upcoming matches.

Jamaica is slated to host Panama inside the National Stadium on Wednesday, November 29, while the team visits Guatemala on December 3.

The current squad comprises both experienced and emerging players, including 2019 World Cup participants Sashana Campbell, Chinyelu Asher, and Marlo Sweatman. The selection includes Lauren Reid, Malikae Dayes, Zoe Vidaurre, Israela Groves, Ricshya Walker, Davia Richards, Mikayla Dayes, Shaneil Buckley, Melissa Johnson, Aliyah Morgan, Theanna Burnett, Serena Mensa, Shanice Foster, Destiny Powell, Njeri Butts, Shania Harris, Sydnie Street, Javanae Jones, Lachante Paul, and Maliah Atkins.