JFF President Confident Issues with Leon Bailey Will Be Resolved Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers
As the ongoing saga between the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey unfolds, President Michael Ricketts remains hopeful for an amicable resolution.
The fallout between the player and the JFF arose after Bailey’s dismissal from the national team due to breaking curfew before a crucial Nations League semi-final against the United States in late March.
Bailey publicly aired his grievances on the ‘Let’s Be Honest’ podcast, criticising the JFF’s level of professionalism and announced a self-imposed break from international football.
Expressing regret over the situation, Ricketts on Thursday, emphasised Bailey’s past dedication to representing Jamaica on the field. He recalled the player’s heartfelt commitment to giving his best for his country, despite recent challenges in performance.
“I remember, I think it was after the Canada game that he came up to me and said ‘President, you know every time I go on the field I try to do my best because I am representing my country’ and I guess he felt bad because he didn’t do as well as people were expecting”, said Ricketts.
“And when he said that to me, I just thought that here is somebody, who it might not be working for him but his heart is in the right place” he added.
Ricketts also expressed hope that Bailey’s current issues will be resolved swiftly, allowing for a re-establishment of a positive relationship between the player and the federation.
However, Ricketts voiced concern over the airing of internal grievances in public, especially given the pervasive influence of social media.
He stressed the importance of resolving disputes behind closed doors to maintain professionalism and avoid unnecessary public scrutiny.
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