Leon Bailey refusing to make Jamaica debut after brother misses out on international call-up
Bayer Leverkusen winger and his family have been at odds with Jamaican football chiefs for years. But all that looked to be coming to an end when he was called up for the game against Bonaire on Saturday
LEON BAILEY put his international debut on hold after refusing to play for Jamaica on Saturday.
The Bayer Leverkusen winger and his family have been at odds with the Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) for years about their selection process.
But the 21-year-old flyer, who is eligible to play for the Reggae Boyz and England, looked to have finally committed to his country of birth by accepting a call-up for the game against the island of Bonaire.
But he pulled out of the game over the alleged failure of the JFF to honour an agreement to call up his younger brother, Kyle Butler.
Bailey, linked with moves to Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, claims he told the Jamaican Football chiefs he would only play if his 20-year-old brother, who plays for Austrian side Juniors OO, was also selected.
But the JFF made Butler go through a trial first.
“I did agree to come based on the agreement we had.
“But when I got here, it was a totally different scenario. They didn't keep their end (of the deal), therefore, I decided not to play this game.
“I am here for one reason, to represent the country. But they didn't keep their end. Once they are willing to do that, I am ready to put on the national team jersey.
“By this November, if they are willing to go ahead with whatever we've asked of them, I'll be ready to represent my country.”
If he gets his way, Bailey could finally make his Reggae Boyz bow against Suriname on November 17.
And he insists only players like his brother, who knows his game, can help him fulfil his potential at international level.
Bailey added: “It (his brother's situation) is a big part of it. I need players who can understand me. You can't expect me to jump in a system and expect it to work.
“I need help. I am a winner, a phoenix, and I don't like losing, so I need people who I know are capable of making things happen.”