Leon Bailey

Bell’s strike which came in the 51^st minute, was also the first international goal for the 29-year-old Luton Town defender, and it couldn’t have come at a better time, especially as the Reggae Boyz hunt their first Gold Cup triumph.

The Jamaicans, who were finalists in the 2015 and 2017 tournaments, and also 2019 semi-finalist, will be hoping to get by perennial rivals Mexico in Wednesday semi-final contest at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Having won all four of their previous Gold Cup meetings, the Heimir Hallgrimsson-coached Reggae Boyz went in with some degree of confidence to again stamp their authority over the Central Americans on this the fifth occasion, and that they did to some extent.

They dominated possession and camped out in Guatemala’s quarters for most of the first half, as they showed enterprise in their build ups, which should have resulted in at least two early goals. However, proper decision-making in the final third was woefully lacking on their part.

Aside from defiant defending from the Guatemalans, the Jamaican attackers seemed a bit overconfident at times and neglected a simple one-time pass or shot when they opportunity presented itself. That resulted in a goalless end to the first half as Guatemala had little opportunities to trouble Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blake.

Things shaped up differently on the resumption with Guatemala being more purposeful in attack, but it was the Jamaicans that broke the deadlock when Demarai Gray sidewinded his way into space to play off a pass to an unmarked Bell, who used time and space allowed to set and drive past Guatemala’s goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen at his near post.

The Jamaicans continued to marshal proceedings and could have pulled further ahead in the 65^th when Gray, set Leon Bailey free, but the Aston Villa winger’s effort off his right foot was blocked by Hagen.

Guatemala grew in confidence in the latter stages of the encounter and almost got back on level terms in the 79th minute when substitute Alejandro Galindo’s header from dead centre of the 18-yard box, was kept by Blake, who took flight to his left.

Both teams continued their press in attack and while the Boyz had the better chances, they again lacked conviction in front of goal and fortunately for them, their profligacy didn’t come back to haunt them.

Teams: Jamaica- Andre Blake, Damion Lowe, Javain Brown (Dexter Lembikisa 64^th), Kevon Lambert (Daniel Johnson 46^th), Bobby Reid, Amari'i Bell, Dishon Bernard, Latibeaudiere, Leon Bailey (Corey Burke 85^th), Demarai Gray, Michail Antonio (Shamar Nicholson 78^th)

Subs not used: Jahmali Waite, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Adrian Mariappa, Kemar Lawrence, Jonathan Russell, Dujuan Richards, Kaheem Parris

Booked: Bernard (32^nd), Lambert (45^th)

Guatemala –Nicholas Hagen, Aaron Herrera, Jose Pinto, Nicolas Samayoa, Jose Ardon, Oscar Castellanos, Marlon Sequen (Jorge Aparicio 64^th), Nathaniel Mendez (Darwin Lom 82^nd), Pedro Altan (Alejandro Galindo 71^st), Carlos Mejia (Antonio Lopez 82^nd), Rubio Mendez

Subs not used: Ricardo Jerez, Fredy Perez, Cesar Archilla, Jose Morales, Esteban Garcia, Gerardo Gordillo, Stheven Robles

Booked: Ardon (77^th)

Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada) 

Assistant referees: Micheal Barwegen (Canada); Caleb Wales (Trinidad and Tobago) 

Fourth official: Joseph Dickerson (USA) 

Reggae Boy and Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey is set to be honoured by Bellevue Hospital in Kingston, as the institution names its newly opened family room after the Jamaican football star. The official dedication ceremony will take place on Friday morning, recognizing Bailey’s contributions to the hospital’s latest initiative aimed at improving conditions for patients and their families.

Gray, making his second appearance for the Reggae Boyz, celebrated his 27^th birthday in style when he scored his first goal as a Jamaican international in the 14^th minute and added a second in the 28th minute.

The Everton winger’s second came after Leon Bailey (17^th) doubled the lead, while Chelsea-bound rising sensation Dujuan Richards, who was an 82^nd-minute substitute, capped the victory with his first senior team goal in the 90+2 minute. With that, the 17-year-old became the youngest ever goalscorer in Gold Cup history.

Trinidad and Tobago got what turned out to be a consolation through Andre Rampersad in the 49^th minute.

The win –which was also Heimir Hallgrimsson’s first since taking the reins as Jamaica’s Head coach late last year –provisionally saw the Boyz to the top of the standing on four points, one ahead of Trinidad and Tobago.

Group favourites United States, on a point, were leading newcomers St Kitts and Nevis, without a point, 4-0 at half-time in the late kickoff.

The much-anticipated clash between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago

Was the first international men’s game to be played at the 22,000-plus capacity stadium and though it wasn’t the most attractive or entertaining encounter, the spectators that turned out were well treated to five goals.

It was initially projected to be a close contest, especially as the Soca Warriors Head coach Angus Eve opted for a defensive 5-4-1 formation that was expected to prove difficult for the Reggae Boyz to break down.   

But it became clear early that the objective of the formation would prove futile, as Michail Antonio dispossessed a defender a played a cheeky pass off to send Bobby Reid on his way. However, Reid took an unwanted touch and later hit the ball in the side netting.

The Soca Warriors briefly enjoyed a good passage of possession where they looked threatening in open play but couldn't create any meaningful opportunity and later found themselves behind.

In the 14th minute, a decent build up by the Reggae Boyz ended with Bailey finding an unmarked Gray, who buried his right-footed effort in the left corner beyond the slightly advanced, Frenderup in goal for Trinidad and Tobago.

Bailey doubled the lead three minutes later when he timed his run to perfection to latch on to a long pass from Joel Latibeaudiere and finished with aplomb in a one-one-one situation with Frenderup. The goal was initially flagged as offside, but that decision was later overturned on by VAR.

The Soca Warriors tried to play their game but were hardly allowed any room to cause any problems for Jamaica’s defence and, as such, only absorbed consistent pressure. 

They found themselves 3-0 down before the half-hour mark after Kevon Lambert won possession and found Antonio. The West Ham man then slipped by a defender and placed a pass on a platter for the wide-opened Gray to complete one of the easiest finishes of his career.

As the score remained unchanged at the break, the half-time team talk by Angus, coupled with Jamaica's defensive frailties, saw Trinidad pulling one back four minutes into the resumption.

Captain Levi Garcia got away from Jamaica’s debutant Dishon Bernard and drove a pass in for Rampersad to apply a back heel finish beyond Andre Blake, while under pressure from two defenders.  

Still, the Jamaicans continued to apply consistent pressure and created numerous opportunities to add to their tally, but those were squandered due to both faulty shooting and poor decision-making.

It wasn’t until close to the end that they got another when Richards’s shot from a distance took a wicked deflection and sailed past the flat-footed Frenderup, who had no chance.

Teams: Jamaica -Andre Blake, Damion Lowe, Kemar Lawrence (Dexter Lembikisa 46th), Bobby Reid (Shamar Nicholson 62^nd), Joel Latibeaudiere, Kevon Lambert, Demarai Gray, Leon Bailey (Dujuan Richards 82^nd), Michail Antonio (Corey Burke 77^th), Dishon Bernard, Javain Brown (Daniel Johnson 62^nd) 

Subs not used: Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Jahmali Waite, Kaheem Parris, Jonathan Russell, Adrian Mariappa, Amari’i Bell,

Booked: Brown (9^th), Lowe (75^th)

Trinidad & Tobago: Nicklas Frenderup, Alvin Jones, Sheldon Bateau, Kareem Moses, Aubrey David, Shannon Gomez (Molik Khan 76^th), Malcolm Shaw, Andre Rampersad (Kevin Molino 63rd), Ajani Fortune (Kaile Auvray 46^th), Levi Garcia, Neveal Hackshaw

Subs not Used: Marvin Phillip, Denzil Smith, Leland Archer, Luke Singh, Triston Hodge, Ryan Telfer, Joevin Jones, Real Gill, Kadeem Corbin

Booked: Hackshaw (5^th), Bateau (41^st), Jones (73^rd)

Referee: Fernando Guerrero (Mexico)

Assistant referees: Enrique Bustos (Mexico); Jorge Sanchez (Mexico)

Fourth Official: Reon Radix (Grenada)

Var: Benjamin Pineda (Costa Rica)

Avar1: Ricardo Montero (Costa Rica)

The 23-year-old sustained the injury after a collision early in the match but continued to play until halftime when he was withdrawn.    

The player then missed the team’s midweek training session, with later scans confirming that the midfielder had fractured the digit.

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Hannes Wolf confirmed on Friday that the player would not return for the season.  The diagnosis meant that Bailey missed the player’s match against Union Berlin on Saturday, a 1-1 draw, and the club’s final game against Dortmund.

"He will not be able to play again [this season]," Wolf told reporters ahead of Leverkusen's game against Berlin.

The winger was not expected to suit up for his country during the international break, due to contractual issues and it remains to be seen how long he will be out of action.

In total, Bailey has scored 15 goals this season and provided 10 assists in a solid campaign for Leverkusen who are fighting for a place in European football next season.

“I think we can, as a national team, improve a lot of areas. The JFF as well, I think can do a lot more, but we are closer to what the best national teams are doing. Playing style, I think we are getting there slowly, but in order to improve our playing style we have to work with the same players.

“So, I think we have found a core of players that we think we can continue working with and then we can develop a playing style,” Hallgrimsson declared during a press conference at the Jamaica Football Federation’s offices on Friday.  

Hallgrimsson’s sentiments came on Friday as he announced the addition of Charlton Athletic pair Karoy Anderson and Michael Hector to his 23-member Reggae Boyz squad for their upcoming Concacaf Nations League fixtures away to Grenada and Haiti on October 12 and 15, respectively.

London-Born midfielder, Anderson, 19, is a first-time call up, while Hector, 31, returns to the setup after an almost two-year absence.

Both, along with goalkeeper Kemar Foster, Dexter Lembikisa, and West Ham United’s Michail Antonio, replace goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke midfielder Kasey Palmer, forward Dujuan Richards and defenders Amari’i Bell and Ethan Pinnock, who all miss out due to injuries among other reasons.

“We cannot develop a playing style picking 12 new players every camp because then we would have to start over. Being a national team coach, we know that there are two training in a game, so there is not a lot of time to get the team on the pitch. So, in that case, I think we are doing well with the time, but again, if we want to continue to grow it is important to go to finals and go to Copa America and spend a month with the team to grow on and off the pitch,” Hallgrimsson shared.

The 56th-ranked Jamaicans, who bettered Honduras 1-0 and came-from-behind for a 2-2 stalemate with Haiti, both at the National Stadium, currently sit atop Group B in League A on four points, same as second-placed Cuba.

Victories in both games, would guarantee Hallgrimsson’s side a spot in next month’s quarter-final where they would face Canada or Costa Rica, provided Cuba does not surpass them on goal difference, should they too win their two encounters.

If the Boyz were to finish in the runners-up position, they would have United States or Mexico to contend with in their hunt for a Copa America berth. The 48th edition of the quadrennial international men's tournament is scheduled for June 20 to July 14, in the United States and will act as a prelude to the 2026 World Cup, also to be hosted in North America.

“We have a lot to improve on and we know that so now going for these tricky away matches, it's going to be a tough, tough task. To get into the quarterfinal is important for so many reasons because if we win that game, it will secure us to place in the semi-final and hopefully from there we will get to the final and that gives us the right to play Copa America next summer,” the tactician stated.

“So, for many reasons this is important for our team. Number one, to grow to play in tournaments that really will test us to play against the best teams. So, it is an important step for developing a good team to qualify for the World Cup in 2026. We want to put all our emphasis on this camp coming up and go for six points to finish top of the group,” he added.

“We have quite a few versatile players in the squad, and I think that is a benefit to a small nation like Jamaica. So, in our minds I think we have solutions to the problems, and we decided to go for a young player [Anderson] to look at this camp to see how we can manage him within the players group we have,” Hallgrimsson ended.

Squad: Andre Blake, Kemar Foster, Jahmali Waite, Javain Brown, Tayvon Gray, Di’Shon Bernard, Michael Hector, Greg Leigh, Adrian Mariappa, Damion Lowe, Dexter Lembikisa, Bobby Decordova Reid, Daniel Johnson, Joel Latibeaudiere, Kevon Lambert, Karoy Anderson, Demario Phillips, Michail Antonio, Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Shamar Nicholson, Romario Williams, Renaldo Cephas

The 23-year-old has settled down well to life at the German club after missing the start of the season, due to enforced quarantine measures in his home country.  Since returning to the line-up, however, Bailey has shown solid form.  Not only has he proven to be elusive for defenders but he has also managed to notch four assists.  Two coming in the team's last two wins.

With a good portion of the previous season impacted by injury and indifferent form, the player will be happy to be rounding back into the form that saw him labelled as one of Europe’s brightest prospects.

"Well, Leon had it very difficult, last year and at the beginning of this season. But I can see that he gets better every game, physically but also in terms of football,” Bosz said.

"When you see how much he runs, but also how much he sprints and the quality of his football game, that always goes up. Last game in Nice the first goal he set-up for Nadiem Amiri was really great. And he played well today too. He improves every game. "

The 22-year-old Jamaica international is expected to play a key role when the in-form German outfit takes on Scottish club Rangers, at Leverkusen's Bay Arena.  The match will, however, be missing a key element as it will be played behind closed doors, becoming a part of Europe's struggles to arrest the spread of the coronavirus.

With over 1000 people having tested positive for the coronavirus in the country, the German Football League (DFL) decided to close games on a case by case basis.  The trend has already strongly taken root across Europe with many leagues opting for fan free matches.  It has already been confirmed that the second leg of the tie, in Scotland, will also be played behind closed doors.

“It affects us because football is for the fans.  Playing behind closed doors is always a different type of feeling,” Bailey told BBC Sports Scotland.

“But I mean we also have to think about the safety of others, and we have to do what we have to do,” he added.

“Our health come first.  Without health, there is no life.”

The 22-year-old winger had a strong season for the German outfit, overall, providing 15 goals and 10 assists during the team’s campaign.  Overall Leverkusen finished 6^th and in the European League places.

Bailey, however, suffered an injury, a broken toe, during the team’s penultimate game of the season against Werder Bremen a few weeks before the end of the season.  Initially, there was concern that the player could have missed the tournament, but he recently concerned that he was fully recovered and eager to get back on the field for the country.  He has since resumed training.

Bailey was named as part of a large preliminary squad, which has also included West Ham’s Michail Antonio and several other overseas-based players.  The winger, who has represented the country eight times is also expected to play a crucial role in the country’s attempts to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.  The CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers will resume in September.

Jamaica clinched the top spot in Group B by rallying for a 3-2 victory over Haiti at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Jamaica finished in first place with 10 points to book their quarterfinal spot, while Haiti finishes with three points and has been relegated to League B.

It was an ideal start for Haiti, as they grabbed a 1-0 lead in the 15^th minute through Frantzdy Pierrot, who polished off a quick counterattack with a header into goal off a cross from Fafa Picault.

But Jamaica would strike right back just a few minutes later in the 18th to even the score at 1-1, with Demarai Gray taking advantage of a misplayed clearance from the Haitian defense.

It stayed level going into the second half when things began to tilt in Jamaica’s favor. The Reggae Boyz started to take control and seized a 2-1 lead in the 57th when a cross from Michail Antonio reached the boots of Shamar Nicholson, whose shot squeezed past Haiti’s goalkeeper Jhony Placide for the goal.

Jamaica kept moving forward in search of an insurance score and it dutifully arrived in the 66th thanks to Leon Bailey, who slipped past the Haitian defense onside to receive a free kick and finish past Placide for a 3-1 Jamaica lead.

Haiti refused to give up though, and Pierrot made it a 3-2 affair in the 87th by heading in a corner kick.

But the spoils belonged to Jamaica, as they avoided any stoppage time drama to pocket the victory.

Honduras vs. Cuba

In a must-win match for both sides, Honduras topped Cuba 4-0 at the Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles in Tegucigalpa, Honduras to qualify for the quarterfinals. Honduras finish second in the group with seven points, while Cuba complete their campaign in third-place with five points.

Honduras could not have asked for a better start, as they scored early in the 9th to help settle any nerves, with Denil Maldonado spearing home a header at the far post off a cross from the left flank.

Honduras were flying and quickly it became 2-0 to the home side in the 13th, as a Cuba giveaway led to a quick break and a pass into Antony Lozano, who finished past Cuba’s goalkeeper Raiko Arozarena.

The Catrachos kept their foot on the gas into the second half and stretched the lead to 3-0 in the 67th through Romell Quioto, who calmly converted a penalty after Alberth Elis was fouled in the area during a corner kick.

Honduras then added a late goal for good measure, with Bryan Rochez finishing from inside the area in the 90th to complete the 4-0 score-line.

Suriname vs. Grenada

Four first-half goals powered Suriname to their first victory of their CNL campaign in a 4-0 final versus Grenada at the Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion in Paramaribo, Suriname.

Suriname complete the 2023-24 CNL with five points and have avoided relegation with the win, while Grenada finish with one point and have been relegated to League B.

Djevencio van der Kust opened the scoring for the home side in the 12^th minute with a left-footed laser from outside the area to make it 1-0 to Suriname.

The home side kept things rolling and the lead was doubled to 2-0 in the 27th when 2019-20 CNL top scorer Gleofilo Vlijter found the back of the net by turning in a rebound after a Van der Kust shot hit the crossbar.

Suriname stayed on the front foot and the scoreboard read 3-0 in the 35th thanks to Leo Abena, who was able to squeeze a shot in over the line after Grenada goalkeeper Jason Belfon had made a save moments prior.

Suriname then tacked on a fourth in the final moments of the first half, this time via an own goal from Grenada’s Jacob Bedeau, who accidentally deflected a deep Suriname cross into his own net for a 4-0 Suriname lead.

The second half saw Suriname calmly see things out despite a few looks from Grenada to secure the precious victory to keep themselves in League A for another campaign.

Bailey, who suffered a broken toe that prematurely ended his Bundesliga season, strengthens the squad that also sees the return of goalkeeper Andre Blake and defender Kemar Lawrence.

The full squad is Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), Dennis Taylor (Humble Lion), Dillon Barnes (Queens Park Rangers), Damion Lowe (Al Ittihad Alexandria Club), Lamar Walker (Miami FC), Adrian Mariappa (Bristol City), Liam Moore (Reading FC), Oniel Fisher (LA Galaxy), Alvas Powell (Philadelphia Union), Kemar Lawrence (Toronto FC), Amarii Bell (Luton FC), Michael Hector (Fulham FC), Daniel Johnson (Preston North End), Devon Williams (Miami FC), Blair Turgott (Ostersunds), Leon Bailey (Bayern Leverkusen), Junior Flemmings (Birmingham Legion), Bobby Reid (Fulham FC), Tyreek MaGee (Eupen), Cory Burke (Philadelphia Union), Shamar Nicholson (Charleroi) Javon East Santos (de Guapiles), and Ravel Morrison.

Most members of the squad will assemble in Orlando today with others expected to join by Friday, July 2.

The squad will have a full support staff including assistant coaches Paul Hall and Merron Gordon, who is replacing former assistant coach Jerome Waite, who has been reassigned.

The two assistant coaches have been named among members of the support staff that will also include additional equipment personnel, an additional physical trainer and masseuse as well as a performance video analyst, the JFF said.

Jamaica opens its Gold Cup campaign on July 12 against Suriname at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando. The Reggae Boyz take on Costa Rica on July 20.

The nominees, who were selected for the coveted Confederation Award based on performance statistics and the input of football experts, were announced on Tuesday as fan voting also opened to allow football enthusiasts to vote for their favourite players.

To be eligible to be shortlisted, players must have played for a Concacaf Member Association's senior Men's or Women's national team in eligible Concacaf and FIFA competitions and matches. Additionally, regardless of nationality, players must have represented a club in the 2023–24 season in a Concacaf and FIFA-sanctioned top division Men’s or Women’s professional league in the Concacaf region.

Bailey, 26, had a superb season with English Premier League (EPL) outfit Aston Villa last season, in which he earned a few Player of the Month awards. He scored 10 goals and registered nine assists to help the club to a fourth-place finish in the league.

Though his appearances, or lack thereof, on the international scene were marred by controversy, the dynamic winger did enough to make the shortlist, which also includes Adalberto Carrasquilla of Panama and Houston Dynamo.

Jonathan David of Canada and French club Lille; Canada’s and Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies; Santiago Gimenez of Mexico and Feyenoord; and American Christian Pulisic, who also represents AC Milan, are the other nominees.

Meanwhile, Reggae Girlz and Manchester City striker Shaw, had an unforgettable 2023–24 season in which she was named the 2023–24 Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) Player of the Season and was named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Women Footballer of the Year.

The 27-year-old, whose season was cut short due to a broken leg, registered 21 goals in just 18 appearances and also provided three assists.

Shaw was the first player to score three WSL hat-tricks in a calendar year last year, and between November 2023 and January 2024, the forward again registered three trebles in just four matches.

Finding the net in both WSL Manchester derbies, the Jamaican’s clinical finish at the Etihad Stadium in March also saw her become City’s record goalscorer, as she swept past Georgia Stanway in the process.

By all indications, Shaw, who won the Concacaf Player of the Year award in 2022, seems set to repeat the feat on this occasion, but she will have five other nominees to contend with.

They are Charlyn Corral of Mexico and Pachuca Femenil; Haiti’s Melchie Dumornay of Olympique Lyonnais; Adriana Leon of Canada and Aston Villa women; Mexico’s Jacqueline Ovalle of Mexico and Tigres Femenil; and American Sophia Smith of Portland Thorns.

The voting process, which includes players, coaches, media, and fans, will determine the winners.

A total of 100 votes will conclude the process, with 41 votes to be cast by Men’s national team head coach—one for each Concacaf Member Association—and 41 Men’s national team captain with the same stipulation.

One vote each for the nine representative members from the Concacaf region will make up the nine media votes, while the remaining nine van votes will come through www.concacaf.com/awards. The player with the most fan votes will receive four votes in the overall voting process, second place three votes, and third place two votes, regardless of how many people vote online.

The process is the same for the Women’s award.

At the conclusion of the voting period, on August 2, the player in each category with the most votes out of the 100 available will be named 2023/24 Concacaf Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year.

Bailey, the talented Aston Villa winger, had recently taken to the "Let's Be Honest" podcast to air his grievances against the JFF, leveling accusations of unprofessionalism and neglect against the governing body. His claims ranged from issues with flight arrangements to delays in payment, painting a picture of dissatisfaction that led to his hiatus from national team duties.

Bailey was suspended and not invited to be part of the team for the Nations League semi-final after he broke curfew during a previous team camp and as a consequence was not considered for selection by Coach Heimer Hallgrimsson. The player has since said he will make himself unavailable for national duties for the foreseeable future.

In response to Bailey’s disparaging statements, the JFF has wasted no time in responding to the player’s allegations. In a detailed statement released on Friday morning, the federation sought to debunk the assertions made by the disaffected Reggae Boyz winger.

The statement led with the acknowledgment of Bailey's comments on the podcast, swiftly moving to address the inaccuracies and misconceptions contained therein. Notably, the JFF emphasized that while Bailey's criticism of the coaching staff would be addressed separately, the focus would be on clarifying the factual inaccuracies regarding the federation's operations.

One of the primary points of contention was Bailey's claim that he had to personally book his airline tickets and often endured subpar travel conditions, such as economy class with multiple stops. The JFF countered this assertion by presenting evidence of recent flight bookings for Bailey, all of which showed premium economy or business class accommodations with standard one-stop routes, effectively refuting Bailey's narrative.

“Firstly, the charges made that Leon has to book his own airline tickets, is always contending with multiple stops, and is always booked in economy are inaccurate and contradictory,” the JFF said in its statement.

“Contradictory because if he says he books his own ticket but then says that he is always booked in economy, with multiple stops, and always receives the tickets late, then it would suggest that he is the reason why he has those issues, as he is the one, he asserts, who books the tickets. The fact though is that these statements are untrue.

“In order to verify these statements, we researched the last three bookings for Leon, and the following were the results:

A ticket booked for a travel date of 4 September 2023, shows a booking on AA 6958 leaving London Heathrow at 10:25AM, with a stop in Miami and then a flight on AA 0850, departing at 5:57PM to Jamaica. This is a typical one stop for flights out of the UK to Jamaica, and the seat type for both flights were Business.

“A ticket booked for travel date 13 November 2023, shows a booking on VS 0103 leaving London Heathrow at 10:50AM, with a stop in Atlanta and then a flight on VS 3832, departing at 6:10PM to Jamaica. This is a typical one stop flight out of the UK to Jamaica, and the seat types were Business and Economy, respectively.

“A ticket booked for travel date 19 November 2023, shows a booking on AC 0983 leaving Montego Bay at 1:45PM, with a stop in Toronto and then a flight on AC 0854, departing at 6:20PM to London Heathrow. This is a typical one stop flight out of Jamaica to the UK, and the seat types were Business for both.

The JFF continued: “We could, of course, show additional similar tickets booked for Leon (which he travelled on) and so we are at a loss about the statements that he books his own tickets, that they were sent to him late (when all itineraries are sent days before to the players for confirmation), and that the bookings were primarily economy.

“The JFF does have a policy that all players are booked on premium economy, which is similar to what is done in other sporting organizations, as the cost of booking all players on Business would make the programme unaffordable. This is communicated to all players, and they advise in many cases (including Leon) that we should use any monies owed to them to purchase Business class tickets on occasions, when they advise. The option is available to all players to upgrade their tickets themselves or by setting off against funds owed to them.”

Furthermore, the JFF refuted Bailey's allegations of non-payment, stating that while outstanding funds from 2022 were being addressed, players received consistent per diem payments and had their camp and game expenses covered by the federation.

“The charge made that he has received no monies from the JFF, is untrue. The JFF has stated that funds are outstanding to the Boyz, from as far back as 2022, and we have made inroads in paying it down, and has advised that we will pay them off in second quarter 2024.

“We can confidently say though that we have been paying per diem consistently, and we also cover all costs relating to the camps or games. So, saying that no funds have been received from JFF is misleading, and unfortunate. We would like to add that the JFF, like many national federations, is not able to match what is paid by the professional clubs.

“We would think though that the honour of playing for your country is something that all patriotic Jamaicans would want to do, as we realize that we will never be able to match the financial rewards of the professional clubs. We never realized that playing for Jamaica was primarily about financial rewards, and that this would be a main consideration”.

In addition to addressing Bailey's specific grievances, the JFF clarified the division of responsibilities between the federation's secretariat and the coaching staff, reiterating that team selections were solely within the coach's purview. This distinction aimed to underscore the federation's commitment to fairness and equality among players while respecting the autonomy of the coaching staff.

“The JFF secretariat would also like to say that the decision about team dynamics, and who is selected or not, remains the sole decision of the coach and his staff. The secretariat merely receives the requirements from the team technical staff, and determines if we have the funding support or not.

“So, the implication that it is the JFF secretariat that determines who is selected to the team is false. The accountability of the coach to the JFF secretariat is whether he is a success or not, and our job is merely to hire or terminate the coach but not interfere in the coaching decisions.

“One thing we will not encourage is for any player to be treated differently from any other. However, what happens within the team is a matter for the coaching staff.

 “The JFF wants to say again that it is unfortunate that we have to be addressing these public comments, as we believe that the professional thing to do is for differences to be addressed with each other and not through social, or other media.”

 Despite the disappointment expressed by the JFF at having to address such public comments, the federation remained steadfast in its dedication to professionalism and integrity within Jamaican football. Moving forward, the JFF hoped that internal dialogue and resolution would prevail over public discord, reaffirming its unwavering support for the national team and the sport as a whole.

Bailey was dropped from the national team after breaking curfew prior to a crucial Nations League semi-final against the United States in late March. Subsequently, Bailey, speaking on the ‘Let’s Be Honest’ podcast, aired his grievances publicly, criticizing the JFF's professionalism and citing reasons for taking a self-imposed break from international football.

In response, the JFF issued a detailed statement refuting Bailey’s allegations.

On Thursday, Ricketts expressed regret over the situation and emphasized the player's past dedication to representing Jamaica on the field.

"I just think it is so very unfortunate and I hope he really doesn’t mean what he is saying," said Ricketts. "He probably was a little bit upset but we are hoping that things will settle down because he has given his all for his country.

“I remember, I think it was after the Canada (in the Nations League quarter-final) game that he came up to me and said ‘President, you know every time I go on the field I try to do my best because I am representing my country’ and I guess he felt bad because he didn’t do as well as people were expecting.

“And when he said that to me, I just thought that here is somebody, who it might not be working for him then but his heart is in the right place.

“I remember years ago, (West Indies cricket great) Viv Richards was going through a bad patch and when he was interviewed he said that you lose form but you don’t lose class and if you have the class the form will come back and I am just hoping that these issues and these utterances from Bailey will, sooner rather than later, be sorted out and that we can re-establish a proper relationship.”

However, Ricketts expressed concern over the tendency of airing internal grievances in public, particularly given the widespread reach of social media.

"I really don’t think he (Bailey) had an issue that had to be played out in the public," Ricketts remarked. "It’s just unfortunate and we are just hopeful that we will be able to sort these things out and have them amicably settled rather than going public because social media, it’s all over the world. So whatever you say or do the whole world will know."

Despite the current challenges, Ricketts expressed optimism about restoring a positive relationship with Bailey in time for upcoming national team activities.

"We are hoping that the coach (Heimir Halgrimsson) will work this out," Ricketts concluded. "I know the coach really wants to have this sorted out quickly. He is very disappointed but at the same time he is very optimistic that he will get it sorted out soon."

The JFF remains committed to addressing and resolving any issues with Bailey to ensure a harmonious working relationship moving forward. Jamaica will begin its World Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic on June 6 at the National Stadium in Kingston. Their next match will be against Dominica in Dominica on June 9.

Leon Bailey and his manager Craig Butler, through his Phoenix Academy, had announced recently, a partnership to help alleviate the inevitable hardships that would come to especially poorer communities amid economic downturn, a symptom of the spread of COVID-19.

According to reports, more than 100 people from the communities benefited from the foundation’s gift of groceries.  

“We see the needs of our people and will do our best to help where it counts most,” said Bailey, a Jamaican winger, who plies his trade for Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga.

Before the spread of COVID-19 shut down football the world over, Bailey had been rumoured to have, not for the first time in his fledgeling career, been the target of English Premier League clubs. Chelsea FC have been banded about as frontrunners for the star’s signature after it was said the club had been preparing an £85 million bid.

However, there is also interest inside of Germany with Bayern Munich said to be on the lookout.

While there is no football and obviously no transfer business, Bailey has found a way to give back.

According to a report in the Jamaica Observer, recipients of groceries would be receiving every two weeks.

The package of groceries includes flour, rice, corned beef, salt fish, baked beans, sausages, condensed milk, cooking oil, and toiletries.

“We want to help as best as we can and are giving out packages each day, so they can at least cook food and be okay for the day, and tomorrow we come again,” said Butler, who is in Jamaica while Bailey remains in Germany.

In a video message, Bailey implored other sports stars and those who have the means to, to join in his campaign to help fight the spread of the Coronavirus.

“Anyone who wants to help the movement and play a part can reach out, and together we can overcome this obstacle. So, please, guys, be safe, stay strong and look forward to better days. Keep our fingers crossed and believe in God,” he said.

The foundation is a partnership among Bailey, the Phoenix Academy and Empire Entertainment.

For more than a decade, Messi, a six-time Ballon D’Or winner, has been considered the greatest player of all time each having enjoyed tremendous success with Barcelona where he has won 10 La Liga titles as well four Champions League trophies.

Messi has also won Spanish Cup six times, the Spanish Super Cup eight times and led Barcelona to three FIFA Club World Cup trophies as well.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, claimed three Premier League titles and the Champions League with Manchester United; four Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles with Real Madrid as well as two Spanish Cups and two Spanish Super Cups. With Juventus, he won two Serie A titles and two Italian Super Cups. He won the FIFA Club World Cup four times and the Nations League with Portugal.

In an interview with ESPN FC’s Alexis Nunes, the Jamaican believes it’s time Messi moves on from Camp Nou as he is on the side of Ronaldo in terms of individual success.

“I think he has been at one club too long and the big difference between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi is that Cristiano Ronaldo has done great things in different teams and that’s what makes him great,” Bailey argued.

“Obviously, they are two great players but Cristiano will always have that upper hand. I believe Messi is more talented, but when it comes to success, I would give that to Cristiano Ronaldo because he has done so it so many times at different places.”

Rumours linking Messi to clubs like PSG and Manchester City have been circulating for months. However, Manchester City has distanced themselves from reports that claim the club has put together a 400-million-Pound package to lure Messi into a reunion with Pep Guardiola.

Jamaican international and Reggae Boy Leon Bailey has made it clear that he is not worried about the growing competition for places in Aston Villa’s attacking lineup. Speaking in an interview with Birmingham Live, Bailey insisted that the team's success is the primary focus, rather than individual battles for starting roles.

Havertz scored the winning goal as Leverkusen moved up to third in the Bundesliga by edging Freiburg 1-0 away from home.

The in-demand Germany international, who made it five goals in four games since the coronavirus-enforced break ended this month, hobbled off just past the hour with a knock but Bosz allayed the injury concerns.

"He is fine. I don't know how bad it is, but I think he's gonna be okay," Bosz said after the match.

It was a record-breaking outing for Havertz, who has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

The 20-year-old midfielder scored his 35th Bundesliga goal, making him the first player under the age of 21 to reach that total.

"I'm very happy for him, of course," Leverkusen team-mate Leon Bailey told bundesliga.com. "He's very, very talented - I think we all know that."

"For him to be able to be doing that gives young players a vision," Bailey added. "Anything is possible once you work hard. I think Kai Havertz is a very hardworking player.

"He's smart, and very intelligent on the pitch. I hope he continues to do this and help the team as much as possible because we need him."

In fact, the Jamaica international insists the red-hot Bundesliga outfit are targeting a knockout blow when they travel to Scotland on Thursday.  The Peter Bosz’s coached side have won eight of their last nine games, including a 4-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend.

“We are going to Glasgow full of confidence and that’s important. We are ready for the game,” Bailey said in a recent interview.

“We are going there to play the type of football that has seen us winning games. We won’t change our style for this one game. Winning games gives us confidence,” he added.

Despite the dire prediction for Rangers, Bailey, who has scored 5 goals in seven appearances for the Leverkusen, insists he has nothing but respect for the former Liverpool legend turned coach.             

“We expect to get a victory. We think we can win in Scotland and we think we can succeed in the home leg too,” he added.

“And we have to prepared for anything that they throw at us. But we are going there to get the job done. We are in a really good place just now. We are playing well, winning games and we all have a good chemistry with each other.”

The highly rated 22-year-old questioned the capabilities of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and said the governing body, rather than the country's players, would be to blame if the Reggae Boyz fail to reach the 2022 World Cup.

Bailey, who has frequently been linked with Premier League giants Chelsea, also criticised the selection policies of coach Theodore Whitmore, suggesting he chops and changes his squads too frequently.

He now risks punishment from the JFF, whose president Michael Ricketts has urged Bailey to come to the federation first with any grievances.

Speaking to radio station Hitz 92 FM, Ricketts said: "Tell us what you think the problems are."

Ricketts said the comments were "unfounded", and JFF general secretary Dalton Wint told the Jamaican Gleaner newspaper that Bailey's barbs had breached protocol and would inevitably see him risk sanctions.

Wint said: "You can't be publicly criticising your coach or your administration without the possibilities of you being reprimanded, and so it is something that we are discussing internally as we move forward.

"What he said was very unfortunate, and it does not auger well for good relationship building for players or staff to openly criticise your employer.

"It is a cease-and-desist order because it is something that we will not be accommodating, and we are imploring everybody to stay in line and to be respectful, and if you have any difficulties or concerns, bring it to the right forum and it will be discussed, deliberated, and actions taken, and so don't wash your dirty linen in public."

Bailey, who joined Leverkusen from Genk in 2017, has scored 19 goals in 82 Bundesliga games. He was a substitute on Monday in the 4-1 win over Werder Bremen, coming off the bench in the second half.