Leon Bailey's agent Craig Butler issues clarification after social media 'misrepresentation'

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey was a surprise inclusion in Jamaica's squad for the Copa America despite him being on an indefinite break from international football.

Craig Butler quickly responded on social media, explaining that Bailey's position “has not changed” regarding his participation with Jamaica.

“We kindly ask that you respect his wishes at this time,” Butler added. “Posts made on social media that are surfacing at this time is a misrepresentation of his position. We wish the Reggae Boyz well in the Copa America competition and he, along with his management team, will continue to support the Jamaica National Team at all levels … change must come…Respect and One Love for all.”

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Bailey didn't feature in Heimir Hallgrimsson’s squads for the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers this month ahead of Copa America, against Dominican Republic and Dominica. The 26-year-old hasn't played for Jamaica since last November against Canada.

Asked earlier this month when he may return to the national team, Bailey told The Cut: "Honestly I don’t know when I will be back in the national team colours. I love my country to the core. I am always here in Jamaica. I can’t tell when I will be back in the national team colours. Once I feel like I have seen a little bit of change … I don’t know how to explain it but why I’m taking a break is because it is too much for my head sometimes.

"A lot of people don’t understand or look deeply into why I am representing. I really love my country. I love my country so much that I am willing to get injured, willing to risk not going back to a starting Aston Villa team. I make so many sacrifices to make the national team. People don’t understand that and that’s what hurts me. It’s too much for my head sometimes.

"When I went to Belgium, it opened the door for others. I want to see Jamaicans get the opportunity and exposure. That is what Leon Bailey is about.

"Everything I do on the big platform comes with Jamaica. When I represent, I do it for the younger generation so they can come into a better environment than I come into."

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