Aston Villa banned from Jamaica after podcast comments

The 26-year-old, who scored 14 goals in 52 appearances for Villa last season, has not played for the national team since 2023 and declined a call-up to the current Copa America squad.

During an appearance on the podcast “Let’s Be Honest” earlier this year, Bailey sharply criticized what he considered to be a lack of professionalism in the national team’s line-up.

Bailey also talked about having to book his own flights and not receiving any payment for participating in international matches.

And now the Jamaica Football Association has released a statement announcing that Bailey is indeed “temporarily suspended” and no longer eligible to play for the Reggae Boyz.

The English Football Association (FA) cited his comments in the podcast and his non-participation in the Copa America despite his selection by coach Heimir Hallgrímsson as reasons.

The statement read: “The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) has decided to temporarily suspend the nomination of Leon Bailey for the men’s national team.

“This decision has been taken in light of recent circumstances surrounding his comments and his non-participation in the team for the 2024 Copa America despite his nomination.

“His explicit wish to take a break from his national team duties was also taken into account and the suspension of his selection is intended to prevent further misunderstandings. The JFF values ​​the contributions of all players and respects their individual decisions regarding participation in the national team.”

His comments on the podcast date back to March, when he spoke about a lack of professionalism and travel issues at international games.

He said: “I think a lot of people haven’t really thought about what it’s like for me as Leon Bailey to play for a national team that is nowhere near the English team in terms of professionalism or anything like that. I’m used to a professional lifestyle.”

“Many people don’t know that I mostly book my own flights to represent Jamaica because they are very unprofessional.

“You will receive your flight details at 11 p.m. before you have to depart the next day.

“The Jamaican national team doesn’t pay me. I can’t remember the last time I got a dollar from the Jamaican national team.”

“This is very unprofessional in ways you can’t even imagine.”

The statement by the Jamaica Football Association came after the national team was eliminated from the Copa America following two defeats against Mexico and Ecuador.