Jamaica, Brazil friendly off

THE football friendly match between four-time World Cup winners Brazil and 1998 World Cup qualifiers Jamaica set for August 9, has been called off.

According to a release from the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), the game was called off because Jamaican players in England and the United States would not be released for the game by their clubs.

"Most of these clubs, particularly those in England, have responded negatively citing the fact that their players have not been able to rest after a long season," a part of the release read.

"While the clubs in England stated the August 11th start of the English Football Leagues as their main concern, the clubs in the United States have said their players would be involved in important fixtures on or around the given date," it continued.

The release also included two letters of response from clubs in England. One from Derby County was blunt and to the point. It stated that the club would not grant the players permission to play in the games against Swansea City on August 5 and Brazil on August 9 as now is an "important time for preparation for the new season". Additionally it said that Jamaica have had the players all summer to play in World Cup games.

Hull City's response was softer in tone. It stated that their two players, Ian Goodison and Theodore Whitmore would be involved in their first game on August 11. This game it said would be against Exeter which involves a 550 mile round trip.

"In view of the 550 mile round trip, we will be travelling to Exeter on Friday the 10th August. You will appreciate that Ian is an integral part of our first team and Theodore is also a regular member of our first team squad," it said before turning down the JFF's request.

Back to Sport