Jamaica women's team refuse to train or play in payment dispute
- Published
Jamaica score their first-ever Women's World Cup goal
Jamaica's women's football team have refused to play or train until further notice after claiming they have not been paid.
The decision comes two months after the Reggae Girlz featured in their first-ever Women's World Cup.
In a post on Instagram, forward Khadija Shaw said the refusal to play or train was "about more than just money".
The Jamaican Football Federation has said the players have been paid half the amount they were promised.
It says the remainder of the money will be given by the end of this month.
Shaw told 大象传媒 World Service: "Of course 100 per cent we always want to represent our country. It's not just about the money, it's a stand that needs to be done. Hopefully this can be resolved as soon as possible and we can put this behind us and represent our country."
She added: "We are in a position where we we are literally fighting just to get paid by legal agreements.
"[This is] about change, change in the way women football is viewed, especially in Jamaica.
"We deserve more and they can do better. For this reason I, along with my team-mates, won't be participating in any future tournaments until being paid."
Jamaica's appearance at this year's World Cup - where they finished bottom of their group - marked how far the team had come in recent years.
In 2010, the Jamaican Football Federation cut funding to its women's football team, who were unable to play for a long period and then lost their Fifa world ranking as a result.
Defender Allyson Swaby on Instagram: "As athletes, we play the game wholeheartedly and with commitment. The monetary incentives can be small and are often not a reflection of the time and dedication we put into our sport.
"We fought for change and became the first Jamaican women's football team to sign contracts with our federation.
"These contracts symbolise the respect we deserve and intend to receive. For this reason, I along with my team-mates, will not be participating in any games or training sessions until the contract has been fulfilled."
The decision comes two days after Zimbabwe's women's team boycotted their Olympic qualifier against Zambia as they are owed allowances.
大象传媒 Sport has launched #ChangeTheGame this summer to showcase female athletes in a way they never have been before. Through more live women's sport available to watch across the 大象传媒 this summer, complemented by our journalism, we are aiming to turn up the volume on women's sport and alter perceptions. Find out more here.