Jamaica’s Sports Minister Olivia Grange has pledged JMD$10 million in support to the country’s Premier League clubs for the 2022 season.
In a statement released on Thursday, Grange, the Minister of Gender, Culture, Entertainment and Sport, said the commitment to the league is essential as sports plays a significant role in nation-building.
“As the Minister, I would like to reassure the sports sector that we continue to put our money where our mouth is in supporting the various sporting organizations,” she said.
“Sports, as everyone knows, is about wellness, social intervention, recreation and business. It plays a vital role in the economy and in nation-building.”
As such, the funds will be disbursed to each Premier League club to help offset their expenses in what has been challenging times because of the pandemic.
“The clubs can collect J$100,000 immediately for their January payment and J$200,000 later this month for their February payment. For the remainder of the period, it will be $150,000 a month. The Sports Development Foundation (SDF) will disburse the money directly to the clubs and I am asking that they contact the SDF now to pick up their cheques for January,” Minister Grange said.
A total of J$10,800,000 will be disbursed overall.
“Premier Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) will also benefit from Government with a similar allocation to assist with administration, the minister said.
“I wish the clubs and the PFJL a successful season in 2022 and hope that their situation will be improved by this donation from the sports ministry.”
Reggae Girlz booked to face South Korea in September friendly
Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz have been booked to tackle top Asian team South Korea, in a friendly international at the Hwaseong Sports Complex, in South Korea, on September 3rd.
The match, which will be a first-ever meeting between the two teams, will also be the first for the Jamaica national team since successfully qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup last month. The team was doing so for the second straight tournament.
South Korea, who are the number 18th ranked team in the world, will pose a stern test for the Jamaicans who recently achieved a high of 42. The South Koreans have also put together strong performances in 2022 after finishing second at the AFC Women's Asian Cup.
With the match occurring on a FIFA International match date, both teams are expected to have their full complement of players available for selection.
Brighton sign Estupinan from Villarreal as Cucurella replacement on five-year deal
Brighton and Hove Albion have completed the signing of defender Pervis Estupinan from LaLiga side Villarreal.
The Ecuador international arrives for an undisclosed fee reported to be worth £14million (€16.7m) and has put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the Amex Stadium.
The 24-year-old will add plenty of experience to the Seagulls' back line, having won the Europa League with Villarreal in 2021, while also featuring for Granada, Almeria, Real Mallorca and Osasuna in Spain.
Signing a new left-back had been a priority following the sale of Marc Cucurella to Chelsea, and head coach Graham Potter is thrilled by the arrival of Estupinan, who racked up 74 appearances during his two-year spell at El Madrigal.
"We're excited by what Pervis brings us, and he fills a position to which we've been looking to add depth," he told the club's official website.
"In addition to his international experience, he has played for Villarreal in the Champions League and Europa League, as well as gaining plenty of experience in LaLiga.
"We will help him to settle here in England, but we're looking forward to working with him and seeing him in action in the Premier League."
Estupinan could make his Brighton debut when the Seagulls face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Armando Obispo's header denied Rangers as they were held to a 2-2 draw by PSV in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie at Ibrox.
Seeking a first group-stage appearance in four years, Ruud van Nistelrooy's side took a 37th-minute lead as Ibrahim Sangare scooped the ball home after Rangers failed to deal with a corner.
But the hosts responded within three minutes following a neat one-touch move that culminated in Antonio Colak sweeping home his fourth goal in as many matches.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men edged ahead in fortuitous circumstances 20 minutes from time; Walter Benitez fumbling Tom Lawrence's ambitious free-kick into his own net.
However, Obispo levelled matters eight minutes later when he headed in Cody Gakpo's corner to leave the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg in Eindhoven next week.
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