JFF funding strain puts Reggae Girlz Panama friendlies at risk

The Jamaica Football Federation’s money troubles have affected the Reggae Girlz programme, with the organisation struggling to fund the squad’s travel to Panama for two international friendly matches.

The team is due to face Panama on June 5 and June 10 as part of its build-up to the final round of World Cup qualifying. However, TVJ Sports reported that the federation was unable to cover airfare for the delegation, leaving the trip in doubt.

The JFF sought help from former Reggae Girlz ambassador Cedella Marley, who ended her formal association with the federation three years ago. Marley reportedly responded by providing US$70,000, or about J$11 million, to pay for the journey.

Panama is expected to cover ground expenses from June 3 until June 11, when the Jamaican delegation is scheduled to depart. Because the group is set to leave Jamaica on June 1, Marley also covered accommodation costs for the additional two days before Panama’s support begins.

TVJ Sports said checks on whether Marley was returning to the programme indicated that her involvement was limited to assisting the team on this occasion.

The federation’s financial pressure follows the Reggae Boyz’s failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, a miss that cost the JFF a minimum guaranteed FIFA payout of US$12.5 million, described as more than J$2 billion. That sum represents FIFA’s basic participation and preparation funding for qualified nations, which was increased by US$2 million for the 2026 tournament.

The JFF also reportedly spent more than US$500,000, cited as about half a billion Jamaican dollars, on the men’s final-round qualifying campaign and playoff preparations.