JFF suspends Leon Bailey from national team selection

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has temporarily suspended Leon Bailey’s nomination for the senior men’s national team following recent comments and his failure to participate in the 2024 Copa America squad despite being nominated.

Bailey was named in the JFF squad for the Copa America despite saying in March that he was considering taking a break from international duties. At the time, he was suspended by Reggae Boyz head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, allegedly for breaching a curfew for the team in November 2023. Following his suspension, he publicly railed against the JFF.

In a press release, the JFF stated that it had taken into account Bailey’s expressed wish to take a break from his national commitments and stated that the suspension of his selection would avoid further misunderstandings.

“The JFF values ​​the contributions of all players and respects their individual decisions regarding national team participation,” the press release continues.

The JFF said the matter had been referred to David Watt, the newly appointed chair of the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee.