Marseille forward is eligible for selection but he has yet to play a game for Jamaica
Senior players in the Jamaica squad have raised serious concerns over the possible late addition of Mason Greenwood ahead of the World Cup.
The former Manchester United forward, who now plays for Marseille, switched his international allegiance away from England earlier this year after obtaining a Jamaican passport through his grandparents.
The move made him eligible for selection, though he declined a call-up for recent qualifiers and has yet to make a commitment to the national side.
That move has not sat well with players who have been part of Jamaica’s World Cup qualifying campaign, with the nation set to play intercontinental play-offs against New Caledonia and potentially DR Congo in March.
Isaac Hayden, the QPR midfielder who has become a regular since committing to Jamaica last year, questioned the idea of allowing any player to join at the final stage without sharing the burden of qualifying.
“I’ve only played for Jamaica for a year, and there was some resistance to me when I started, but I have played 12 games and everyone can see my passion and the way I play the game,” Hayden said.
“I give everything on the pitch, and I wanted to be there to help Jamaica progress to the World Cup.”
He also said the focus on recruiting high-profile names risked damaging the team spirit.
“The JFF [Jamaican Football Federation] are obsessed with names and trying to recruit more players,” said Hayden.
“If a player is not willing to commit for the last round of qualifying, unless they’re injured, I do not see why they should be joining the group in March or at the end of the season if we qualify. There is no way that should be allowed to happen.”
The reaction comes despite Greenwood’s impressive form. The 24-year-old has been one of the standout attackers in France in the past two years. He was joint-top scorer in Ligue 1 last season alongside Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, and this season he is currently topping the charts.
The player’s career was derailed in 2022 when he was suspended by United following allegations of rape. The Crown Prosecution Service later discontinued the case in February 2023.
Hayden acknowledged Greenwood’s talent but said footballing ability was not the issue.
“The quality of the player, his numbers, what he is producing, is of the highest level,” said Hayden. “But it comes down to principle and integrity. If players can just rock up because of a World Cup, it would make the whole thing a farce.”
Defender Amari’i Bell, who plays for English Championship side Charlton, added: “Many of us for years have put our blood, sweat and tears into playing for the nation. It wouldn’t seem fair to people who have been through that whole process and will never get another chance to play at a World Cup.”
Bell said any late arrival would need to be discussed openly within the group.
“Definitely, especially when it’s a World Cup,” he said. “You want good vibes and good energy around the squad. You wouldn’t want any distance between any players.”
