Jamaica star Leon Bailey will not play with the Reggae Boyz in Copa America 2024, according to his agent
- Leon Bailey to opt out of Copa America
- Jamaican star taking ‘mental health break’
- Reggae Boyz preparing to face Mexico
WHAT HAPPENED?
In March, just over three months ago, Leon Bailey announced that he was taking a hiatus from the Jamaica national team – citing a plethora of reasons, including the federation’s refusal to pay for flights.
Wednesday evening, however, the Aston Villa star was included in the Reggae Boyz Copa America roster. The inclusion prompted many to believe he would make a triumphant return to the pitch.
However, his agent has come out and said otherwise while the Villa star also posted a cryptic message on social media.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Craig Butler, Bailey’s agent, wrote on Instagram that the Villa winger is taking a “mental health break” to “spend time with family” this summer instead of playing in the prestigious tournament with his national team. Meanwhile, Bailey simply wrote “misleading information” on social media in a post that has since been deleted.
WHAT BAILEY’S AGENT SAID
“Leon Bailey has stated that he is taking a break from the Jamaica national team for his mental health and to spend time with his family. His position has not changed,” Butler wrote. “We kindly ask that you respect his wishes at this time. Posts made on social media that are surfacing at this time is a misrepresentation of his position. We wish the Reggae Boyz well in the Copa America competition and he, along with his management team, will continue to support the Jamaica National Team at all levels … change must come…Respect and One Love for all.”
WHAT NEXT FOR JAMAICA?
The Reggae Boyz begin their Copa America journey with their squad on Saturday, June 22 vs Mexico. They’ll follow it up with a contest against Ecuador on June 26 and will round out the Group Stage on June 30.
