The ill-advised decision of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) to stage an impromptu and unapproved national camp, and the resulting positive Covid-19 cases, has played a part in delaying the sport’s resumption.
Earlier this month, the JFF landed in hot water after convening a national camp at the Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence without the requisite government approval. The camp was shut down but not before at least six players and one official tested positive for COVID-19.
In a meeting on Friday, between sports minister Olivia Grange, the JFF, and representatives of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), meant to chart the way forward, the minister expressed her disappointment with the incident. She also pointed out that any approval for the sport’s restart must include strict adherence to health protocols.
“I was very disappointed with the breach which has led to the delay of the restart of football but I am hoping that with this meeting, in which I spoke frankly and we came to a clear understanding, going forward, there will be no misunderstanding. This is a very serious matter, in light of the community spread of COVID-19, and all our actions have consequences,” Grange said.
“Therefore, no one can take unilateral decisions to commence training or competition because the action of any person or organisation can directly impact the players and the country in general. I know these are difficult times, so let us work together to overcome the challenges,” she added.
In response, both President of the JFF Michael Ricketts and PFJL Chairman, Christopher Williams, committed to both organisations following protocol and expressed eagerness for the return of local football.
With the exception of the national camp, organised football has not been played on the island since last March when the leagues and national programs were shut down in a bid to halt the spread of the coronavirus.
Simeone delighted with Le Normand return after traumatic brain injury
Diego Simeone was delighted that he was able to welcome defender Robin Le Normand back to the starting XI for Atletico Madrid's 3-1 Copa del Rey victory over Cacereno.
Le Normand had not played since his side's 1-1 draw at home to city rivals Real Madrid in September, in which he suffered a severe head injury following a collision with Aurelien Tchouameni and required extensive treatment on the pitch.
Thursday's match against fourth-tier opposition was his ninth appearance since joining the club from Real Sociedad in the summer and Simeone was pleased to see the Spain international back on the pitch.
"We are very happy that he is back with the team," Simeone said.
"It is normal that he needs that time to get back to playing, he will need that time playing, training and competing to be at his best. We are waiting for him and we need him, he is a very important player for us."
The match itself was not as straightforward as Atleti would have liked, having gone a goal down after half an hour.
It took an 83rd-minute Clement Lenglet goal to draw level before an effort from Julian Alvarez and an Adri Perez own-goal in stoppage time secured Atleti's passage through to the next round.
Having taken until the 81st minute to get ahead in their 2-0 victory over sixth-tier Vic in the previous round, Simeone explained he had been expecting it to be a tough test.
"We had been through it with Vic. They are not easy, Girona, Villarreal, Espanyol have been eliminated. It is not easy. The teams have enormous enthusiasm, they work together as a team, they get a goal that raises their enthusiasm. It is not easy to keep it up until the end," he said.
"The game was as expected, a great cup game, with a very hard-working opponent. When you show little decisiveness you run the risk of losing. We have to improve in that part."
Tickets for Grand Slam Track™ go on sale today
Tickets for the highly anticipated Grand Slam Track™, the revolutionary global stage for elite track and field competition, go on sale today, December 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM Pacific / 1:00 PM Eastern. Founded by four-time U.S. Olympic champion Michael Johnson, who also serves as the league's commissioner, the event promises to redefine the sport with its inaugural season kicking off in Kingston, Jamaica, in April 2025.
Johnson expressed his excitement about the league’s progress, stating: "Grand Slam Track™ continues to build momentum as we get closer to our inaugural 2025 season. The attention and recognition this league is gaining is incredible, and it continues to be clear that the best in the world want to be a part of it. We’re creating something truly special – a Festival of Speed – for fans to enjoy."
The league will feature 48 top-tier athletes, known as Grand Slam Track™ Racers, competing in all four Slam events: Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles. Among the confirmed stars are Jamaicans Ackera Nugent and Roshawn Clarke, alongside global icons such as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Fred Kerley, Marileidy Paulino, Grant Fisher, Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, Alison Dos Santos, and Jereem Richards.
Additionally, 48 Grand Slam Track™ Challengers will join individual Slams, selected based on recent performances and intriguing matchups. Racers and Challengers will compete across categories such as short sprints, hurdles, middle distance, and long distance, with each competitor racing twice during the three-day events.
Grand Slam Track™ shifts the focus from time-based performances to head-to-head competition. Unlike traditional meets, there will be no rabbits or pacing lights. Each Slam is independently scored, with a $100,000 prize for the winner of each group and $10,000 for eighth place. A total of $12.6 million in prize money will be awarded annually, alongside base compensation and appearance fees.
The league is also breaking with tradition by allowing athletes to compete in custom kits designed with their sponsors, free from traditional bibs or hip numbers. This unique approach emphasizes individuality and creativity while showcasing the athletes’ personalities.
With over $30 million in financial commitments from investors, including Winners Alliance, the league aims to revolutionize fan engagement and elevate track and field’s biggest stars through innovative storytelling.
Tickets for all four Slams are now available. Fans are encouraged to secure their seats to witness the Festival of Speed and see the world’s best athletes compete on this groundbreaking platform.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit grandslamtrack.com/events.
Kaheim Dixon wins Chicken George Goal of the Month and scores brace against QPR
Jamaican forward Kaheim Dixon has been awarded November's Chicken George Goal of the Month for his sensational strike in Charlton U21s’ dominant 9-2 victory over Wingate & Finchley. Dixon’s remarkable goal, which saw him control the ball with his thigh, flick it over a defender, and unleash a left-footed finish from 20 yards, highlighted his extraordinary talent. The goal was one of four he scored that night, earning him accolades and selection by CharltonTV’s Steve Brown as the award winner.
Dixon continued his impressive run of form on Tuesday, scoring twice in Charlton U21s’ 6-3 victory over Queens Park Rangers U21 in a Professional Development League Two clash. He opened the scoring just five minutes into the match, finishing a pass from Kai Enslin with precision. His second came 15 minutes later, a composed strike following another assist from Enslin.
Dixon also turned provider before halftime, setting up Enslin’s hat-trick with a perfectly timed pass across the box, showcasing his all-around contribution to the team’s success. Charlton went into the break with a commanding lead, though QPR fought back with three goals in the second half. A late goal from a Trialist in additional time secured the victory, extending Charlton’s unbeaten streak to six games.
The Jamaican international’s outstanding performances in recent weeks underscore his potential as a rising star. With his flair, composure, and ability to deliver in key moments, Dixon continues to establish himself as a critical player for Charlton U21s. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see how his season progresses as Charlton prepares for their next match against AFC Bournemouth.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
