The Jamaica Football Federation today (June 26) temporarily suspended Aston Villa striker Leon Bailey from squad selections as the rift between the national governing body and the controversial athlete further widens.

The JFF, in a statement on Wednesday, said the decision was “made in light of recent circumstances surrounding his comments and non-participation in the Copa America 2024 team, despite being selected”.

Bailey, in a March 20 interview on the ‘Let’s Be Honest‘ podcast, bemoaned the ‘unprofessionalism’ of the JFF, claiming that he had to pay for his own tickets, among other expenses. Insisting he needed a break, he expressed a desire to spend more downtime with his family. Bailey asserted further that he was overdue a vacation, as the footballer also alleged he was yet to be fully paid by the federation.

It was not immediately clear from the statement how long the suspension would last.

The Michael Ricketts-led federation added that to avoid “further miscommunication”, the suspension was handed down in consideration of Bailey’s “stated desire to take a break from national duties”.

The 26-year-old has since been referred to the JFF’s disciplinary and ethics committee, chaired by the newly appointed David Watt.

Having lost their opening Group B encounter with Mexico last Saturday, the Reggae Boyz hunt their first win in the 2024 Copa America tournament against Ecuador this afternoon at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.