Jamaica's Reggae Boyz have fallen six places in the latest FIFA global rankings, following a dismal performance in the 2024 Copa America. The recent rankings, released on Wednesday, also saw drops for other CONCACAF teams, with the USA and Mexico slipping down the order.

The Reggae Boyz, now ranked 59th globally after slipping six places, faced a string of defeats in the tournament, losing 1-0 to Mexico, 3-0 to Venezuela, and 3-1 to Mexico, finishing at the bottom of Group B. This poor showing prompted immediate repercussions, with Head Coach Heimir Hallgrímsson resigning post-tournament. Hallgrímsson has since accepted a new role as the head coach of the Republic of Ireland.

The Jamaica Football Federation are currently in an advanced stage of hiring a new head coach, who is expected to reverse the team's flagging fortunes.

Mexico, now ranked 17th, experienced a downturn as well, falling two places in the rankings after their struggles. They were defeated 1-0 by Venezuela and held to a goalless draw by Ecuador. The USA, previously the highest-ranked CONCACAF team, slipped five places to 16th. Their Copa America campaign started promisingly with a 2-0 victory over Bolivia, but subsequent losses to Panama (2-1) and Uruguay (1-0) saw them finish third in Group C, leading to the dismissal of Head Coach Gregg Berhalter.

In contrast, Canada saw a significant boost, climbing eight places to 40th after an impressive run that saw them finish fourth in the Copa America. Coached by Jesse Marsch, Canada's journey in the tournament included a second-place finish in Group A, with a win, a loss, and a draw. They advanced to the knockout stages and eliminated Venezuela 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation. Although they lost 2-0 to Argentina in the semi-finals and succumbed to Uruguay in the third-place playoff, their performance was enough to propel them up the rankings

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) general secretary Dennis Chung welcomed the addition of two new sponsors to their coffers, which he says reaffirms the Michael Ricketts-led administration’s efforts to raise the profile of the country’s governing football body.

Though the contributions of five laptops and two tents from Smart Mobile Solutions (SMS) and Awnings, Windows, Doors, and Shower Enclosurers (AWDS) by Bernie Limited, may not seem like much, Chung pointed out that they should not be understated, as every bit of sponsorship is very much valued by the JFF.

In fact, he revealed that the laptops donated by SMS are said to be worth $800,000, while AWDS’ two tents, also boast significant value.

“A lot of times what we talk about is the large sponsorships that come in right, but we certainly at the JFF want to assure everyone that we treasure every single contribution that comes in here because, as I said, they say every mickle, make a muckle. People who don't organize a game don't understand how important, for example, a tent is. The tents are extremely important to ensure that we have proper security and coverage just in case the weather changes,” Chung said during a press conference on Wednesday.

“So we're very appreciative of this, Mr. [Mark Anthony] Bernard; it definitely will enhance our capabilities and ensure that we don't have to rent everything that we want, and that's what helps us from a cash flow perspective. Certainly, Mr. [Dane] Spencer and his team were really appreciative of this; it couldn't have come at a better time, a time that we were actually looking at how we could acquire some laptops, and definitely they've come in at the right time. So we really appreciate the support,” he added.

These sponsorships come on the heels of a recent $200 million deal between the JFF and Wray & Nephew, as well as another partnership with marketing company 876Stream.

For President Michael Ricketts, it represents a positive step in the right direction that the JFF is finding favour with both large and small corporate companies.

“One-one cocoa full basket, and we’re just very appreciative of small companies coming on and making significant contributions. We got five computers and we got tents, which are something we really do need, and if every small company could come on and make a small contribution, then it would touch the lives of some boy or girl in some disenfranchised community,” Ricketts noted.

SMS Managing Director Dane Spencer explained that their partnership with the JFF is one that he hopes will have a far-reaching impact.

“This collaboration where we are providing technology is actually very important because now we can showcase not just that we contribute and give back in this way, but naturally we're also trying to show that we can foster sustainable partnerships and something that will actually bring some value to the Jamaican populace.

“Because football, for us, is a little bit more than just a sport or a game. We know that it is something that actually helps with social development and the upliftment of our youth. So, the laptops that we're donating are equipped with the latest technology and essential tools for the JFF administration, and we think that they will help facilitate better communication for the federation and its day-to-day operations,” Spencer shared.

Meanwhile, AWDS Chief Executive Officer Mark Anthony Bernard expressed optimism that his partnership with the JFF will also blossom into something bigger in the near future.

“We at AWDS would like to thank the JFF family for this opportunity to be a part of contributing to the national football program.  We donated two tents, which is just a small contribution, but it's a start in the right direction. Hopefully, in the future, we can build on that and eventually become a part of this growing JFF family, where we'll be more present and be able to offer more tangible donations,” Bernard declared.

At one point, the thought of Dwight Yorke leading Jamaica’s senior Reggae Boyz setup would have been far-fetched, but not anymore.

This, as the former Trinidad and Tobago and Manchester United stalwart was among 40 candidates that threw their proverbial hats in the ring to fill Jamaica’s Head coach spot, which was left vacant following Heimir Hallgrimsson’s resignation.

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) confirmed Yorke’s application, but with the number of potential candidates now narrowed down to five, general secretary Dennis Chung was reluctant to say whether or not the 52-year-old made the shortlist.

“We actually got about 40 applicants from Europe, South America and in the Concacaf region, and Technical Committee Chairman [Rudolph Speid] have cut that down to five. So we will be doing the interviews in another week or so and then we will announce the successful candidate,” Chung said during a press conference on Wednesday.

“He [Dwight Yorke] did apply, but as it relates to the five, I don’t want to say who it is as yet. But certainly Dwight is someone who was in the initial 40,” he added

Yorke, who took his first steps into management in 2022 when he was appointed Head coach of Australian side Macarthur FC, lifted the Australia Cup that same year with the A-League side, before parting ways with the club in 2023.

While his experience from a managerial perspective may not be as glittery as that of other potential candidates, Yorke admitted that he has gained knowledge from several legendary figures, including Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger.

 “I’ve spent time with the likes of Pep, Sir Alex, Steve McLaren and Arsene Wenger,” Yorke told The Mirror.

“They will tell you: everyone wants to play attacking, front-foot football. I love that, being an attacker myself. You want to just score goals but there is a balance here. If you don’t have [a] good structure and a good system in place, then you are always likely to struggle,” he added.

SportsMax.TV understands that former Reggae Boy turned coach Jobi McAnuff, and former Reggae Boyz assistant Miguel Coley were also among the candidates that applied for the job.

Meanwhile, Chung explained that the JFF has taken lessons from Hallgrimsson’s tenure and eventual departure, as the Icelandic coach was said to have had a strained relationship with the federation.

Shortly after quitting Jamaica’s programme, following a failed Copa America campaign, Hallgrimsson was appointed by the Republic of Ireland.

“We have certainly taken a lot of lessons from it, I don’t necessarily agree with some of the things that were said, having gone through the process and we know what happened. What I was referring to being surprised about is that my expectation is that if someone knows they are going to leave, they should give adequate notice that is the professional way to do it,” Chung said.

“So we know that the signs were there, but we expected that on a professional basis, the appropriate notice would have been given. But it worked out for us because as soon as the [Hallgrimsson’s] announcement was made, we started getting interest from all around the world,” he shared.

Attorneys representing Jamaica’s hammer thrower Nayoka Clunis are set to file an urgent appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad hoc committee if the uncertainty surrounding her participation in the 2024 Olympic Games remains unresolved by 5 pm today, Wednesday, July 16.

Despite achieving a National Record of 71.83 metres in May, ranking her in the top 32 in the world this year, Clunis's dream of competing on the world’s biggest stage is now hanging in the balance due to a blunder from the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

The 28-year-old, who placed second at the JAAA National Senior Championships, initially believed she was on her way to the Olympics. However, her excitement turned to dismay when she learned that her name was omitted from the JAAA’s official list submitted to World Athletics.

“Following the Jamaican Olympic Trials, I was elated to receive notification of my official selection to Team Jamaica. Unfortunately, I have since found myself in a difficult position. Due to an omission made by the Jamaican Athletics Administration Association, my name was not officially submitted to World Athletics. As such, I do not have a position in the Olympic Games,” Clunis shared in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

However, after no word forthcoming from the JAAA, attorneys representing the frustrated athlete - Dr. Emir Crowne and local attorney Sayeed Bernard – have written to the JAAA informing of their intended action.

"Mr. Bernard and I act for Ms. Nayoka Clunis, an athlete who should be well-known to you by now. As is also common ground, the JAAA’s admitted negligence (gross negligence, in some jurisdictions) has put Ms. Clunis’ Olympic dreams in jeopardy. In the absence of any updates as to Ms. Clunis’ situation by 5 p.m. today, we have been instructed to file an emergency appeal to the CAS’s ad hoc division."

The letter continued, "Indeed, we are hopeful that an appeal to the CAS is not necessary, but the JAAA’s negligence and radio silence since July 7th has left our client with few options, not to mention the irreparable damage this has done to the mental and emotional well-being. Athletes deserve better."

While Clunis awaits a resolution, her plight underscores the importance of strong administrative leadership, as the oversight by the JAAA could potentially rob an athlete who has shown remarkable dedication in her sport of the opportunity to achieve her dream on the global stage.

Quick-service restaurant giant, KFC Jamaica has inked a brand partnership with one of Jamaica’s most dynamic and exciting young athletes - triple jump sensation Jaydon Hibbert. The partnership with the world under-20 record holder begins on the eve of the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Hibbert will represent Jamaica on the world stage.

Excited for the partnership and the Olympic games ahead, Hibbert celebrated the support from KFC, noting, “I’m really excited to be partnering with KFC for this Olympic season. It is an honour to be named the first track and field brand ambassador for KFC. Whenever I land in Jamaica, KFC is always my first stop, so this opportunity to represent the brand is truly special to me. I'm excited to see what the future holds. Without question, it's a big deal!”

Andrei Roper, Marketing Manager at Restaurants of Jamaica also expressed his elation at the deal with the strong Olympic-medal prospect.

“KFC is a long-time supporter of Jamaican sports and athletes. We believe in investing in our nation’s talented youth, and so we are extremely excited to partner with one of Jamaica’s brightest young sporting talents. We are pleased to welcome Jaydon to the KFC family, and we are delighted to be a part of his journey,” Roper shared.

In addition to being the current world under-20 record holder in the triple jump, Hibbert will now lead Jamaica’s medal hopes in the event at the Paris Olympics. Hibbert is also set to represent Jamaica at the World U20 Championships in Lima, Peru later in August.

Roper continued, “Jaydon’s attitude and dedication towards track and field has been commendable. He aligns perfectly with everything we hold dear at KFC – leadership, discipline, commitment, dedication, community, nation-building, and all-around Jamaican excellence. He is a great role model for young athletes.  We look forward to what will undoubtedly be a great partnership and are confident he will represent us, both KFC and Jamaica, well at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

Hibbert will appear in upcoming KFC brand and retail marketing campaigns as he continues to excel on and off the field and help lay the foundation for the next generation of talented Jamaican athletes.

Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago are set to represent the Caribbean at next year’s Netball World Youth Cup, after securing the top three spots at the just-concluded Americas Netball World Youth Cup qualifiers in Guadeloupe.

The young Sunshine Girls, who went unbeaten in the tournament, were crowned overall champions following a 54-29 win over Barbados young Gems in Sunday’s final, while Trinidad and Tobago young Calypso Girls downed Grenada 61-39 in the third-place playoff to take the final qualifying spot.

Jamaica’s Head coach Phyllis Thompson lauded her team’s gritty showing, particularly in the semi-final where they produced a late rally to top their young Calypso Girls counterparts 40-33.

“I am super excited and elated for the girls. They did the hard work coming into the tournament and it showed on the court. Of course we weren’t always flawless, we made our fair share of mistakes along the way, but the most important thing was to secure the win here and then work on tighten up our play going forward,” Thompson said.

“We have a very talented and determined group of girls and it showed in the semi-final against Trinidad when we were down two goals, I reminded them that we are still in the game and they went out and gave it their all to come out victorious. So I am very proud of them and like I said we will go back to the drawing board and work on what we need to for the World Cup next year,” she added.

While they were unable to upstage Jamaica in the final, president of the Barbados Netball Association, Dr. Carmeta Douglin struck a positive tone.

She admitted that closing the gap with world class teams like Jamaica is no easy task but, in the same breath, insisted that improvement is possible with the right structures.

The young Gems brushed aside Grenada 63-45 in the semi-final.

“Our Under-21 is not a bad team, but they still need a lot of work to get to the world-class level, as you can see. So we are looking to build on Under-14, to move to Under-16, to move to Under-21, to move to seniors. So we are looking at an Academy, where we have players in training all year round, and moving up through the age groups. So this is something we are planning,” Douglin said.

“Jamaica has been there, they have done that, and they are getting a lot more practice, a lot more exposure, because this Jamaica Under-21 team would obviously be playing in their Super League and playing with their seniors, who already have a really good start. So we need to get there, and it’s a building process, and we are working towards it,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Head coach Kalifa McCollin-Lopez welcomed the third-place finish by her team.

“I am very excited for the girls. They would have worked hard to reach here and I know they are really happy right now,” she said.

Though the losses against Barbados, earlier in the tournament, and Jamaica in the semi-final, were hard to take, McCollin-Lopez said they served as lessons for their improved performance in the third-place contest.

“Through those losses, we would have had to learn and grow from them; not to put themselves down too much because we had the game following, but to tidy up the mistakes (and) stick to (the) task. I think that is what we went out there and tried to do,” she shared.

The three Caribbean teams now join pre-qualified teams New Zealand, Australia, England, Fiji, and host nation Gibraltar for the Netball World Youth Cup, a competition for emerging Under-21 players, scheduled for September 19–28 next year.

A total of 20 teams will compete in the event. South Africa, Malawi, and Zambia qualify from Africa, and Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka qualify from Asia. The remaining six teams are yet to be decided.

As Jamaica's shot put queen, Danniel Thomas-Dodd, has achieved much over the years. But she is not entirely satisfied, and as such, intends to once again etch her name in the annals of the country’s track and field history in Paris.

Fresh off her ninth national title win at the JAAA National Senior Championships, Thomas-Dodd has her sights set on at least making it to the finals in what will be her third Olympic Games appearance, as she hopes to build on her legacy in the circle.

The experienced campaigner, whose journey is characterized by relentless dedication and a drive to succeed, launched the instrument to a season’s best 19.32m—to win ahead of Lloydricia Cameron (17.62m) and Danielle Sloley (13.55 m)—at the National Stadium, a performance she described as a confidence booster ahead of the global multi-sport showpiece.

This, as her previous best performances were a 19.12m throw for sixth at the World Indoor Championships in Scotland and a 19.00m throw at the Harry Jerome Track Classic in Canada.

“I would say it's definitely a huge confidence booster. We've been trying to piece the puzzle together going into the Olympics, so with this throw, I think we're a little bit closer to being ready to compete with the (proverbial) big dogs,” she told SportsMax.TV.

Thomas-Dodd's path to the Paris Olympics has been one marked by both triumph and challenge, as such, her recent victory at the National Championships not only solidified her dominance in the event but also served as a testament to her consistency and resilience.

“Coming into the championship, I was struggling a little bit to piece together the technique. So my coach asked me to give him a 19.3 metres throw because he knows I have what it takes, and if I could give him that distance in the National Stadium, then it's a right step in the right direction. So I trusted him and delivered, which makes me more comfortable going into Olympics with that level of confidence knowing that what we've been doing has been working,” Thomas-Dodd shared.

With World Championships, World Indoor Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Pan American Games medals to her name, Thomas-Dodd is no stranger to the pressures and expectations that come with representing her country on the world stage.

In fact, with the disappointment of the 2016 and 2020 Games in Rio and Tokyo, when she placed 25th and 13th, respectively, still fresh in her mind, the 31-year-old’s sights are firmly set on breaking into the finals on this occasion to once again demonstrate why she is regarded as one of the best in the business.

“The number one aim is to ensure that I make it to the finals to give myself a fair chance of putting together something nice and possibly challenge for a medal. I know for sure it's definitely going to take over 20 metres to get on podium, but I've learned so much from my past experiences, and I believe that with the right preparation and mindset, I can achieve this,” she declared.

“I have been trusting the process more, in previous years, I would have had far better throws earlier in the season, but this year we have kind of tapered to ensure that I get it right when it matters most. Like I said, I am much more motivated now, and my mental game is up, so hopefully it will all come together in Paris,” Thomas-Dodd added.