Players from the Jamaican ladies’s nationwide crew took to social media to decry what they time period subpar assist from their federation heading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup subsequent month.
Cheyna Matthews and Khadija “Bunny” Shaw had been among the many gamers who posted a prolonged assertion Thursday about pay points and different issues that they hope shall be addressed by the Jamaican Football Federation.
“On multiple occasions, we have sat down with the federation to respectfully express concerns resulting from subpar planning, transportation, accommodations, training conditions, compensation, communication, nutrition and accessibility to proper resources,” the assertion stated. “We have also showed up repeatedly without receiving contractually agreed upon compensation.”
The assertion stated gamers had been instructed their issues could be addressed in a well timed method however weren’t. The Jamaican federation didn’t instantly reply to an e-mail looking for remark.
Jamaica, which is enjoying in simply its second World Cup, opens event play on July 23 towards France. The Reggae Girlz even have Brazil and Panama of their group on the event co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Shaw, who additionally performs for Manchester City, is Jamaica’s captain and all-time scoring chief with 55 targets in 38 appearances.
Jamaica was the first-ever Caribbean crew to make the World Cup discipline in 2019, however it was eradicated after the group stage in France. The Reggae Girlz certified for this yr’s World Cup as one of many prime 4 finishers on the CONCACAF W Championship.
The Reggae Girlz have lengthy struggled with funding, turning prior to now to Cedella Marley, daughter of reggae legend Bob Marley, who has tirelessly fundraised and procured sponsors.
Players additionally expressed disappointment over missed worldwide home windows for exhibition matches to assist the crew put together. They additionally questioned whether or not a crew camp could be held earlier than Jamaica’s first match on the World Cup.
“We hope that by using our platforms to express the reality of our situation, our efforts will be reciprocated,” the assertion stated. “We hope there will be immediate and systematic change within our federation and those in charge of protecting the integrity of women’s football.”
