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• JFF to introduce new Under-17 tournament for Jamaica Premier League clubs

  The Jamaica Football Federation is continuing its commitment to developing youth football in the country with the formation of a new Under-17 tournament to be contested by Jamaica Premier League clubs, JFF president Michael Ricketts announced Thursday.

  The competition, tentatively set to commence on May 5, will not be mandatory for clubs to participate in as this is its inaugural year.

  “We would want to encourage as many of the Premier League clubs to participate in this Under-17 competition. As it is now, most of the clubs will be participating,” Ricketts said.

  “We thought that it was very important that we capture those that are probably on the verge of getting out of high school and have them in a formal setting so that they can make a transition from U-17s to U20s and, ultimately, the senior set up,” he added.

  This is also a timely move because, as of 2025, the FIFA Under-17 World Cup will be held annually instead of every four years as was customary.

  “We want to insert some energy and some vibe to ensure that as best as possible, we must be competitive and very relevant at age 17 and under so that we can actively participate and add some level of competitiveness at the World Cup which, as of next year, will be held every year,” Ricketts said.

  Jamaica got to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in New Zealand in 1999 and Mexico in 2011.

   

• Erling Haaland a doubt for FA Cup semi-final

  Erling Haaland is a doubt for Manchester City’s FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Saturday.

  The Norwegian striker was surprisingly substituted prior to extra time of the Champions League quarter-final loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

  Manager Pep Guardiola revealed after the game the 23-year-old asked to be withdrawn but did not give a reason why.

  Speaking on Friday, Guardiola confirmed the forward had suffered an injury but still gave little indication as to how serious.

  Guardiola said at a press conference: “We will see. It was a tough game, a lot of action, high intensity for both sides.

  “Erling felt something, a muscular issue. That’s why he told me he could not continue.

  “The (doctor) said he had a little bit of niggles, a little problem, we will see how his evolution is in the next hours.”

  In a more positive update, Guardiola confirmed playmaker Kevin De Bruyne “feels well” having been taken off during extra time against Real for nothing more serious than exhaustion.

  Guardiola feels, given the schedule, it is understandable that players would be tired at this stage of the season.

  He said: “It’s normal with the amount of games we are playing this season and the previous seasons and not much recovery, and extra time and high intensity.

  “We put a lot of pressure in our game and that’s why the fatigue is there. They are human beings. They are not a machine. We are used to it.”

  The agonising penalty shoot-out defeat by Real ended City’s hopes of winning the treble for a second season in succession.

  Yet they remain on course to repeat the domestic double and Guardiola is determined to bounce back from the midweek heartache.

  He said: “We don’t have another option. I don’t want us to feel sorry for ourselves.

  “In football, you lose games. We performed at our best and we were not able to win. You have to accept it.

  “We did everything. We know it, they know it, all the world know it, but it was not enough. When it’s not enough, it’s bad night.

  “So congratulations (to Real) and, tomorrow, FA Cup.”

• Erik ten Hag denies Man Utd squad is fractured after Alejandro Garnacho incident

  Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag confirmed Alejandro Garnacho has apologised for liking social media posts criticising his handling of the player and insisted the incident does not show the squad is fractured.

  The Argentina winger, who was taken off at half-time of last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, liked two messages on X, formerly Twitter, which were negative about Ten Hag.

  He quickly unliked both posts and has now apologised, leaving no issues around his involvement for this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Coventry at Wembley.

  Asked whether it suggested the group was not together, Ten Hag replied: “I wouldn’t point to that.

  “Alejandro is a young player, has to learn a lot. He apologised for it and after that we move on.”

  Experienced midfielder Casemiro has received criticism for his recent performances, with Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp suggesting his display against Bournemouth last week was like he was playing in Soccer Aid.

  But Ten Hag has backed the Brazilian and insisted he will bring United success.

  “I think we needed the six when I arrived here and last season Casemiro was fantastic,” he said.

  “I don’t think he ever scored so many goals as well but as a six, a holding midfielder, as a strategist, he was so important for the team.

  “This season he struggled with a bad injury he never had in his career, but he is such a winner. See his career, always in his career he has won, everywhere he was there will be success.

  “I trust he will give us success and I know he will need games and he will be better and I’m very confident about him.

  “He is a fighter, why he also won big trophies, he’s a personality and he’s a very important player and he will give us success.”

  Another player who criticised the club on social media was Jadon Sancho and the winger has since found his form on loan at Borussia Dortmund, who made it through to the Champions League semi-finals this week.

  Ten Hag said nothing has changed surrounding his future because of his performances in Germany.

  “We know Jadon Sancho is a fantastic football player, so that is not a surprise for us, that is not the issue,” he said.

  “Of course, I follow international football and follow the players on loan at other clubs.

  “It was a fantastic game, Dortmund against Atletico Madrid, great performance from Dortmund and for Jadon it’s good news. He made his contribution to the result for Dortmund.”

  Ten Hag hopes to be able to have Scott McTominay and Antony back in the squad against Championship outfit Coventry on Sunday.

  “Antony and Scott I expect them to be back,” he said. “Scott didn’t train all week, partial on Wednesday, today I expect him full. Antony did train all week.

  “We have some problems. Harry (Maguire) had a small injury, he didn’t train this week so far but now he is back on the pitch. We expect him to be back for Sunday, I hope.”