Jamaica and JFF sign guarantees to co-host 2031 Women’s World Cup

KINGSTON, Jamaica, (CMC) – The Government of Jamaica and the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) completed a significant step towards co-hosting the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup when they signed the guarantee agreements here on Tuesday. Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange along with JFF President Michael Ricketts both signed the paperwork, which […]

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange and the President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts, on Tuesday afternoon signed the guarantee agreements for the co-hosting of the 2031 FIFA Senior Women’s World Cup alongside the United States, Costa Rica and Mexico. The signing took place at the offices of the ministry at Trafalgar Road in St Andrew. Minister Grange said that “With the signing, the Government of Jamaica and the Jamaica Football Federation will partner with FIFA in fulfilling the responsibilities and deliverables associated with Jamaica’s hosting obligations. These include establishing legal mechanisms for guarantees, bonds, declarations .” The signed guarantee agreements include visas, permits, immigration and check-in procedures, safety and security, waiver, indemnification and other legal issues. Cabinet has also approved a local organising committee which will be established to oversee the management of Jamaica’s obligations and the budgetary impact of the obligations. The committee will be made up of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Ministry of Tourism, and Departments and Agencies which will partner with the JFF and the private sector on the oversight body. Grange said Jamaica’s hosting of the FIFA Women’s World Cup presents an opportunity for showcasing gender mainstreaming, whilst providing an inspiration for girls’ participation in sport, institutionalising national pride and unity, and job creation in events, security, and the tourism sectors. “It also gives us bragging rights as the first Caribbean nation to host Women’s World Cup matches. Jamaica will host three to five Group Stage matches and one match in the Round of 32. Indirect economic impact will come from a large number of international visitors, and spending on food, transport, and tours. Media/TV exposure of Kingston will also be of priceless value to our tourism brand. Significant economic injection is expected,” Minister Grange concluded.