Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, said she is concerned about the ongoing conflict between the Reggae Girlz squad and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) that has resulted in several senior players being suspended.
“As minister, I have been careful not to say or do anything that could be seen as political interference in Jamaica’s football programme,” said the minister in a statement on Monday.
“However, like any other fan, I have been concerned about the relationship between the Jamaica Football Federation and members of the Reggae Girlz squad.”
Grange added, “I have been in dialogue with both sides in an attempt to bring them together and will continue to do my utmost to facilitate an amicable resolution in the interest of Jamaica.”
Ongoing rift
Last Friday, it was announced that the Reggae Girlz squad who achieved a historic Round of 16 finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup rejected the call-ups for the first-ever Women’s Gold Cup Qualifiers.
The JFF later announced the suspension of the selection of senior players. 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.
On Saturday, the Reggae Girlz detailed various reasons for the senior players’ withdrawal from the qualifiers.
In a statement released via the team’s social media, the squad said they are taking a stance against the “constant mistreatment” they have received from the 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.
