The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has endorsed the recent decision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to increase the number of teams in women’s football for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games to 16.

JOA President, Christopher Samuda, said “The writing was on the wall and has been, for years, a part of the Olympic script for gender parity and when you consider that the qualifying teams for men may be reduced to twelve then the mandate becomes clearer than through a glass and the goal has not only been achieved but has been scored.” 

The popularity of female football continues to increase in the United States and the decision of the IOC is perhaps symptomatic of this and indicative of a levelling of the playfield. “IOC’s decision is more than a trend. It’s reflecting a way of life in global sports and I believe its impact will have a domino effect on other sports which are already breaking ground and putting down roots of gender equity,” JOA Secretary General and CEO, Ryan Foster, commented.

Call it a landmark decision and one for the present and future of the sport. What is clear, as Secretary General Foster points out, is that “the decision is a call to action for those who have ears to hear and are understanding  the fact that the goalpost has moved without compromising the integrity of the sport.”

The historic election of Kirsty Coventry to the IOC seat of power underscores the movement’s advocacy for women in sport which has not escaped President Samuda “The IOC is saying sport is not only a unifier but, importantly, an equaliser and FIFA is smiling in the middle field as it watches the Mexican wave, which arguably originated at the 1986 World Cup finals in Mexico, moving with feminine purpose towards LA in 2028,” he remarked.

The current administration of the  JOA continues to lead and create history with the apex body’s first female Treasurer, Nichole Case, and Vice President, Jacqueline Cowan. “We are change makers” Secretary General Foster, succinctly said.