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The Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has welcomed the decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to increase the number of teams in women’s football for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics Games to 16 teams.
In the landmark decision by the IOC, women’s Olympic football will now feature 16 teams, an increase from 12.
The IOC sports director Kit McConnell said the decision was made due to rapid growth in the women’s game and to give the players a global platform to showcase their talents.
“We wanted to do something to reflect that growth and equally with the United States being the home of the highest level of popularity of women’s football,” he said in a press conference.
The decision earned the praises of FIFA President Gianni Infantino who believed it is the right step forward for the sport.
“FIFA has always believed in the power of women’s football and the decision by the IOC Executive Board is a positive step,” said Infantino.
“This development reflects our shared understanding that women’s football deserves greater representation and visibility at the Olympic Games. We thank the IOC for the fruitful discussions that will make LA28 a groundbreaking event.”
However, the decision to increase the women’s sport also comes with the IOC’s decision to decrease the number of teams for the men’s competition, falling to 12 from the previous number of 16 teams.
JOA president, Christopher Samuda, welcomed the news and believes it is a major win for women’s sports
“The writing was on the wall and has been, for years, a part of the Olympic script for gender parity,” Samuda said.
“When you consider that the qualifying teams for men may be reduced to 12, then the mandate becomes clearer than through a glass and the goal has not only been achieved but has been scored.”
Ryan Foster, the JOA’s general secretary, also believes the decision to increase the number of women’s teams is a signal of the IOC’s commitment to the development of women’s sports.
He believes the increase should be viewed as a ‘call to action’ for the world to recognise the impact of women’s sports.
“The decision is a call to action for those who have ears to hear and are understanding of the fact that the goalpost has moved without compromising the integrity of the sport.”
The Reggae Girlz have yet to qualify for the Olympic Games in the programme’s history.
Their closest bid for qualification came in 2023 where they made it to the Concacaf Olympic Play-off, but were defeated 4-1 on aggregate by Canada.
English (US) ·