The Jamaica Football Federation is said to be close to a resolution in the wage impasse with the Reggae Boyz.
Sources told Sportsmax.TV that the parties have agreed to terms on all but one matter for a two-year deal that will include the next two CONCACAF Gold Cups, Nations League, the World Cup and international friendlies.
However, they were unable to disclose what that sticking point is.
In late March, prior to an international friendly against the USA in Austria, the JFF and the Reggae Boyz arrived at an impasse over match fees and bonuses and what the Reggae Boyz said were issues beyond money.
The Reggae Boyz initially requested match fees of USD$7000 plus bonuses for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. However, the cash-strapped JFF rejected that offer and put USD$2000 plus bonuses on the table, an offer the players rejected.
The players also claimed that the JFF needed to treat them better and with greater levels of respect.
Reggae Boyz Captain Andre Blake said the players have now decided to take a stand because they believe the abuse at the hands of the JFF has been going on for too long. “It’s been generation on top of generation, anybody who has played for Jamaica can attest to this,” he said.
“If we don’t put a stop to this, 20 years later, my kids’ kids or other players’ kids or public members’ kids are going to be playing for the same money and under the same poor organization, structure and poor professionalism and poor communication and Jamaica football will never get better.”
The JFF, meanwhile, was forced to constitute a squad mainly of debutants, several of whom were English-born players hoping to help Jamaica get the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, for the friendly against the USA that Jamaica lost 4-1.
The Reggae Boyz subsequently released a statement in which they said they were keen to finalize the negotiations with the JFF so that the coaching staff can select the best team to participate in the World Cup qualifiers that begin in less than two months,
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
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.
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