Just over three months after announcing a hiatus from the Jamaica national team, Aston Villa star Leon Bailey has been surprisingly included in the Reggae Boyz 26-man roster for the upcoming Copa America tournament.
This inclusion has led to widespread speculation about his return to the pitch. However, Bailey’s agent Craig Butler and the player himself have added layers of uncertainty to the situation.
In March, Bailey cited multiple reasons for his break from international duties, including the Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF) refusal to cover flight costs. His sudden inclusion in the squad for Copa America prompted many to believe in a potential comeback. However, the player’s camp has suggested otherwise.
Bigger picture
Butler addressed the situation on Instagram, stating that the Villa winger is prioritizing a “mental health break” to spend time with his family this summer rather than participating in the prestigious tournament with his national team. Bailey also posted a cryptic message on social media, writing “misleading information,” which has since been deleted.
His response came shortly after the JFF announced the team during a live broadcast on Wednesday night, which saw Dujuan Richards’ name appear on graphics, though the player was not included in the squad, which has promted many to believe it was an untidy production.
“Leon Bailey has stated that he is taking a break from the Jamaica national team for his mental health and to spend time with his family. His position has not changed,” Butler wrote. “We kindly ask that you respect his wishes at this time. Posts made on social media that are surfacing at this time is a misrepresentation of his position. We wish the Reggae Boyz well in the Copa America competition and he, along with his management team, will continue to support the Jamaica National Team at all levels … change must come…Respect and One Love for all.”
What’s next for Jamaica?
The Reggae Boyz are set to begin their Copa America journey with a match against Mexico on Saturday, June 22. This will be followed by a contest against Ecuador on June 26, and they will round out the group stage on June 30 against Venezuela. Only the top two teams from the group will advance to the knockout stages.
In addition to Bailey, the squad features several notable players, including captain Andre Blake, who is recovering from surgery and is hoped to participate later in the tournament. Other key inclusions are winger Demarai Gray and Brentford defender Ethan Pinnock.
Jamaica’s Copa America Squad: Goalkeepers – Andre Blake, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Jahmali Waite, Shaquan Davis. Defenders – Amari’i Bell, Damion Lowe, Dexter Lembikisa, Di’Shon Bernard, Ethan Pinnock, Greg Leigh, Michael Hector, Jon Bell, Richard King, Wesley Harding. Midfielders – Alex Marshall, Bobby Reid, Joel Latibeaudiere, Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer, Kevon Lambert. Forwards – Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Michail Antonio, Renaldo Cephas, Shamar Nicholson, Leon Bailey.
Bailey has not played for Jamaica since last November against Canada. IN March he was suspended by head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson for breaking curfew during the CONCACAF Nations League last year. Following his suspension, Bailey announced his break from the national team, citing personal and logistical reasons.
Global embarrassment
As the Reggae Boyz prepare for Copa America, the inclusion of Leon Bailey remains a contentious issue. With his agent’s and his own statements suggesting he might not play, it remains to be seen whether the Aston Villa star will indeed take to the field or continue his hiatus for mental health and family reasons.
A hastily arranged video published on Thursday, mere hours after the announcement of the squad, saw the Hallgrimsson trying to explain the rationale behind naming Bailey, Blake and Bell on the roster.
He claims that the inclusion was the trio was more for team support than for playing time, especially with Blake and Bell just coming off injuries.
Having not done so when it was most appropriate on Wednesday night, the coach’s belated explanation was viewed by many as an attempt to soften the backlash from the global embarrassment caused by the player’s rejection of the invite, and moreso, the player’s camp’s insistence that the player had never given his commitment to playing at this tournament.
