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• Jamaica to upgrade National Stadium lights ahead of FIFA World Cup qualifier

  In a decisive move to address longstanding issues with the lighting at the National Stadium, Sports Minister Olivia Grange announced that new lighting equipment costing JMD$15 million will arrive over the weekend and be installed promptly ahead of Jamaica's crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Dominican Republic on June 6, 2024.

  Minister Grange's statement underscores the urgency of the upgrade, as the current lighting conditions have been deemed inadequate by CONCACAF. The new lights, which will be installed on Tower Four and supplemented by additional lamps on the stadium canopy, are expected to significantly enhance the lighting, exceeding the minimum requirement of 1,000 lumens for international matches.

  "The National Stadium lights over time have been less than optimal," Minister Grange stated. "Independence Park Limited has installed LED lights on Tower Four and some additional lamps on the canopy, pending further upgrades. This latest shipment of equipment, once installed, will improve the lighting substantially."

  The minister also acknowledged the aging infrastructure of the National Stadium, which opened in 1962, and highlighted the lack of significant improvements over the years. The upcoming lighting upgrade is part of broader plans to revamp the stadium's infrastructure to meet modern standards.

  Opposition Spokesman on Labour and Sports, Wavell Hinds, has been vocal about the inadequate lighting at the stadium, particularly highlighting the issue during the recent ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. Hinds noted that only 14 of the 144 bulbs on the light tower by the finish line were functioning, leaving much of the stadium in darkness.

  Despite Minister Grange's assurance that the lighting was adequate, Hinds has renewed his call for immediate action, especially with the impending World Cup qualifier. He emphasized the potential inconvenience to fans if the match is rescheduled to an earlier time due to inadequate lighting.

  "This situation is regrettable and will undoubtedly inconvenience supporters from Western Jamaica and others who planned to watch the match at the scheduled 6:30 p.m. start time," Hinds said. "Adjusting the game to an earlier time due to inadequate lighting would be unfair to these fans and disrupt their plans."

  CONCACAF's concerns over the lighting at the National Stadium have necessitated urgent upgrades to avoid rescheduling the match to an earlier time, which would be detrimental to fan attendance and overall match experience. The upgrades are expected to be completed in time for the qualifier, ensuring the match proceeds as planned in the evening.

  The lighting upgrade is just one step in the broader redevelopment plans for the National Stadium, with a complete overhaul of the lighting system being one of the top priorities. This initiative is part of the government's commitment to improving sports infrastructure and ensuring that Jamaica remains a viable host for regional and international events.

   

   

   

   

• 'No-one deserves Ballon d'Or more than Vinicius' - Endrick

  Endrick believes "no-one deserves the Ballon d'Or more" than future Real Madrid team-mate Vinicius Junior, as his compatriot gears up for Saturday's Champions League final.

  Vinicius, who scored the winning goal against Liverpool in the 2022 showpiece, is eyeing his second European triumph with Los Blancos, who take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

  The 23-year-old has had the most direct goal involvements in the Champions League since the start of the 2021-22 season (31 - 16 goals, 15 assists), while his tally of 17 in the knockout stages is also the most during that span.

  Vinicius and Endrick will soon become team-mates at club level, with the teenage sensation set to join Madrid from Palmeiras on his 18th birthday in July.

  Before that, the pair will be focused on leading Brazil's charge at the Copa America, where Endrick believes Selecao success will only aid Vinicius' chances of landing football's most coveted individual accolade.

  "Vini is a reference. A star," the 17-year-old said. "No one deserves the Ballon D'Or more than him this year. I think our group at the Copa America will be looking not only at winning the title, but also helping him to win this award."

  Endrick was speaking ahead of his final game for Palmeiras, whose supporters' reception moved him to tears during the Copa Libertadores clash with San Lorenzo.

  Brazil's youngest international since Pele in 1957 - and their youngest scorer following his strike against England in March - the forward will watch Madrid for the final time "as a fan" on Saturday.

  And he has been keeping close tabs on his new team-mates, while absorbing as much information as possible before linking up with them after the Copa America.

  "Real have to win on Saturday. I have been so focused on my farewell game [with Palmeiras] that I didn't even realise it [was Madrid's last game without me]," he added.

  "I watch a lot of games, but not always live, because it's not possible due to our schedule. I end up studying the team more than cheering. I often already know the result when I'm watching.

  "Watching a game is different for us players who train and travel all the time. We look at other things; pay more attention to some elements than others. That's why I like to watch without any fuss."

• Copa America squad omission 'a very tough blow' for Dybala

  Paulo Dybala admits his omission from Argentina's squad for the upcoming Copa America was "a very tough blow", but fully respects the decision of head coach Lionel Scaloni.

  The Roma forward was left out of the 29-player party for the tournament in the United States, where La Albiceleste will be defending the title they won three years ago.

  Dybala enjoyed a productive 2023-24 season with Roma, scoring 16 goals in 39 appearances, though injury struggles did hamper his progress.

  Nevertheless, the 30-year-old - who was part of his nation's 2022 World Cup triumph - was surprised not to be included.

  "I felt like I did some good things this year," he told The Athletic. "I was confident about making the squad, so it was a very tough blow for me to take, because being part of the national team is one of the best things ever.

  "But I also understand that it’s hard for our coach to choose. I respect his decision. I’ve got a great relationship with him, and he has certainly chosen the best for the team."

  Dybala also spoke about his future with just one year remaining on his existing contract with Roma.

  "Italy has given me everything," added Dybala, who has played in Serie A for 12 years having also had spells with Juventus and Palermo.

  "It'd be hard to leave but, of course, you always have the curiosity and wonder how you'd do in leagues as good as LaLiga and the Premier League, where there are great teams and great players."

  Argentina, who will play Chile, Peru and Canada in Group A at the Copa America, will complete their preparations for the tournament with friendlies against Ecuador on June 9 and Guatemala five days later.