FIFA has unveiled an innovative Video Assistant Referee (VAR) challenge system, empowering football managers to directly request video reviews during matches using purple and blue cards. This groundbreaking initiative, termed Football Video Support (FVS), aims to enhance decision-making on the pitch while addressing concerns about game stoppages. Currently, the system is undergoing trials at the 2025 Under-20 World Cup in Chile and in various smaller leagues worldwide, offering a cost-effective alternative to full VAR technology for competitions with limited resources.
分类： sports
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Queen’s Park Judo tourney returns after six years
The Cascade Community Centre is set to host a thrilling judo tournament on October 18, marking the first event of its kind in six years organized by the Queen’s Park Judo Club (QPJC). This eagerly anticipated competition coincides with the club’s upcoming 30th anniversary in 2026, making it a significant milestone for the judo community. Approximately 40 judokas will take to the mat, demonstrating their strength, skill, and sportsmanship in a celebration of the martial art. The tournament will feature both traditional judo matches and submission grappling, reflecting the growing interest in grappling disciplines nationwide. In a nod to judo’s roots, the event will revive traditional contest rules, including leg-grabs as practiced by the Kodokan in Japan, offering a refreshing alternative to the Olympic-style format. Highlighting the event, former Olympian Christopher George, the first judoka from the country to compete in the 2016 Olympics, will face off against Xavier Jones, a former world-ranked cadet judoka. Additionally, young talents Adam Laing and Ky-Lynn Smith, both 13, will showcase their skills, promising an exciting display of judo’s future. The tournament begins at 10 am, with registration closing at 6 pm on October 17. Established on November 7, 1996, QPJC continues to foster judo excellence and community engagement.
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Cyclists to participate in Simmonds High Velocity island ride on Saturday
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Simmonds High Velocity Cycling Club officially unveiled its 2025 Kingston to Negril Family Fun Ride on Thursday at the Pegasus Hotel. The event brought together local and international cycling enthusiasts for a meet and greet ahead of the weekend’s island-wide ride. The main event, scheduled for Saturday, will see cyclists traverse from the Pegasus Hotel to Jamwest Beach in Negril, showcasing Jamaica’s potential as a premier cycling and tourism destination.
Coach Carlton Simmonds, President of the Simmonds High Velocity Cycling Club, emphasized that the launch was more than a mere introduction; it was a platform for cyclists to unite and celebrate their shared passion. ‘Cycling is my life,’ Simmonds told Observer Online, highlighting the sport’s health benefits and eco-friendly nature.
During the launch, the club honored John Lynch, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board, with an award for his steadfast support in advancing cycling across the country and promoting Jamaica as a cycling hotspot. Dominic Beaubrun, Managing Director of the Jamaica Observer Media Group, expressed enthusiasm about cycling’s potential to become a cornerstone of Jamaica’s tourism industry. ‘Cycling can be developed locally to host such events,’ Beaubrun noted. ‘It benefits both locals and international participants, offering a unique perspective on Jamaica’s stunning landscapes.’
Beaubrun also revealed that the event holds international significance, as the World Cycling Federation has included it in its points accumulation system. ‘Jamaica is one of the few places in the Caribbean and the western hemisphere where cyclists can earn points for major international events,’ he explained.
Marion Ebanks, representing the Jamaica Tourist Board, praised the event for its ability to merge community, sport, and Jamaica’s natural beauty. The 2025 Kingston to Negril Family Fun Ride will commence at 4:00 am on Saturday, October 19, from the Pegasus Hotel. Cyclists will make rest stops in Moneague, St Ann’s Bay, Duncan’s, and Toyota Jamaica in Ironshore, Montego Bay, before concluding at Jamwest Beach in Negril.
Approximately 90 riders are expected to participate, with support from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch (PSTEB) and the Jamaica Red Cross, ensuring safety and medical assistance throughout the event. Key sponsors include the Jamaica Tourist Board, Kem Quick/Portland Jerk, Gav Imports Limited, the Jamaica Observer, Toyota Jamaica, Qmall, Jamwest Beach, Azul Beach Resort, Coco La Palm Seaside Resort Hotel, and Father Bull Restaurant.
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LONGER-TERM GOALS
Jamaican football enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer to witness Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw back in action for the Reggae Girlz. The 28-year-old Manchester City striker, who has been grappling with injuries in recent seasons, will not participate in the upcoming friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago on October 28. This decision comes as the team gears up for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifiers next month. Shaw last represented Jamaica in late 2024 against South Africa.
Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby explained that the decision to delay Shaw’s return was a collaborative effort between the Jamaica Football Federation and her English club, Manchester City. The primary focus is on ensuring the striker’s well-being, especially with more critical national team fixtures on the horizon. Busby emphasized the potential risks associated with substandard pitches and the friendly nature of the upcoming match, making it prudent to prioritize Shaw’s health.
‘She is in great form, but they [Manchester City] have some concerns, and we want to make sure we are monitoring things going into these matches,’ Busby stated during a press conference. ‘The collaboration and discussion led us to compromise and wait until the next round of World Cup qualification to bring her in.’
Shaw has been in impressive form for Manchester City this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist in six Women’s Super League matches. However, Busby noted that she is not yet at her peak performance level. ‘It is great to see her in fine form, but she is not quite there yet,’ he said. ‘It’s fantastic for us and problematic for the rest of the Women’s Super League.’
In addition to Shaw, key players Drew Spence and Trudi Carter will also miss the match due to injuries. Despite these absences, Busby remains confident in the team’s ability to perform well against Trinidad and Tobago. He highlighted the strong core of experienced players and the opportunity to integrate new talent, such as Tianna Harris and Gabrielle Gayle, who have been excelling in Europe and Mexico, respectively.
Busby also mentioned the inclusion of Jaileah McPherson, the captain of the Under-20 team, who has been performing well in college. ‘We feel compelled to support her with the national team, and her schedule allowed her to join us for these games,’ he explained.
The Reggae Girlz, who have qualified for the past two World Cup tournaments in 2019 and 2023, are now setting their sights on the 2027 edition. Busby expressed excitement about the upcoming match, emphasizing the historic rivalry with Trinidad and Tobago. ‘They are our biggest Caribbean rivals, and we look forward to the game as a big test prior to our qualifying matches,’ he said.
The squad for the match includes goalkeepers Rebecca Spencer and Sydney Scheidner, defenders Allyson Sawby, Tianna Harris, Konya Plummer, Chantelle Swaby, Tiffany Cameron, and Gabrielle Gayle, midfielders Jaileah McPherson, Deniesha Blackwood, Izzy Groves, Atlanta Primus, and Vyan Sampson, and forwards Kayla McKenna, Natasha Thomas, Shania Hayles, Jody Brown, Njeri Butts, and Kiki Van Zanten.
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Larris Allen reaches 500th career win in Canada
Jamaican jockey Larris Allen has achieved a monumental milestone in his illustrious career, securing his 500th win on the international racing circuit on Monday, October 13, 2025. The historic victory took place at Lethbridge Racetrack in Canada, where Allen rode Pole to Pole, trained by Lyle Magnuson, to a commanding 4 ¼ lengths win in the six-furlong Allowance race. The triumph, completed in 1:10.1, solidified Allen’s status as one of the premier jockeys in the sport. Allen, who began his North American racing career in 2028, didn’t stop at this milestone. He went on to ride three more winners that day, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistency. In the second race, he guided Jacrodra’s, another Magnuson-trained horse, to a 1 ¼ lengths victory in 1:09.2. Allen’s dominance continued in the fifth race, where he piloted I Will Stand, trained by Jim Depew, to a 2 ¼ lengths win over seven furlongs in 1:25.2. The highlight of the day came in the seventh race, the CAN$10,900 Farewell Stakes, where Allen partnered with Chicle Sparks, trained by Monkumar Mohindee, to deliver a breathtaking performance. Chicle Sparks stormed to victory by an astonishing 5 ¼ lengths, finishing in 1:25.0. With this remarkable day, Allen’s career statistics now stand at 503 wins, 353 seconds, and 371 thirds from 1,949 mounts, with Stakes earnings totaling CAN$1,867,505. Meanwhile, fellow Jamaican jockey Oshane Nugent is also making waves on the international circuit. Nugent secured his latest victory on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Lethbridge, riding Wocka Wocka, trained by Floyd Buffalo, to a dominant 6 ¾ lengths win in the CAN$13,050 Amote Open Derby. Wocka Wocka finished ahead of Reboso (Tevin Foster) and Tapologist (Ryan Nelson) with a time of 1:27.2. Nugent’s record for the year includes seven wins, seven second-place finishes, and three third-place finishes, earning CAN$38,022 in Stakes earnings. The performances of Allen and Nugent highlight the growing influence of Jamaican jockeys on the global racing stage.
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Grassroots cricket takes centre stage — First-ever U13 tournament launched
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA), in collaboration with the Laborie Credit Union, has unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of cricketers. The SLNCA/Laborie Credit Union Under-13 Grassroots Tournament, a first-of-its-kind event, will bring together young athletes from 16 districts across the island for weekend softball cricket matches. This program emphasizes inclusivity, featuring both boys and girls, and aims to foster a robust cricket culture from the ground up. The tournament officially launched on October 14, with senior district teams providing mentorship and support to the young participants. Nerville Florence, SLNCA’s second vice president and head of youth cricket, highlighted that grassroots development remains the association’s top priority. He emphasized the extensive planning and dedication behind the initiative, calling it the ‘baby of the SLNCA.’ SLNCA President Wayne Auguste, who conceptualized the tournament, shared his personal connection to grassroots cricket, citing its transformative impact on his life and that of his son, Ackeem Auguste, a recent West Indies senior team selection. Auguste stressed the importance of engaging young talent early, stating that a strong grassroots system is vital for the sport’s future. The Laborie Cooperative Credit Union, the tournament’s title sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to cricket development and community unity. President Augustin Dominique expressed pride in supporting a program that not only develops athletic talent but also strengthens communal bonds. The tournament is set to commence on October 18, with communities encouraged to rally behind their budding cricket stars.
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West Indies show grit in defeat, says Captain Chase
West Indies Test captain Roston Chase has lauded his team for their valiant effort in the second Test against India, even though they suffered a defeat and lost the two-match series. The regional team managed to extend the game into the fifth day before India secured a seven-wicket victory on Tuesday, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Despite a dismal first innings that forced the West Indies to follow on, opener John Campbell notched his maiden Test century, and Shai Hope ended an eight-year wait for a Test hundred, propelling the team to a commendable 390 in their second innings. Although this marked the Windies’ sixth loss in seven Test matches this year, Chase expressed optimism about the team’s fighting spirit, especially after their innings and 140-run defeat in the first Test. ‘This is the kind of fight I wanted to see from us. It’s a stepping stone and a building block for us to improve as a Test-playing nation,’ Chase stated during a post-match press conference. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this positive momentum, even in defeat, to extract valuable lessons from each game. However, Chase acknowledged that the team’s batting remains a critical area for improvement. ‘Our batting has let us down in the last two series. We have a strong bowling attack despite injuries, but we need to post better first-innings totals to compete in the Test Championship,’ he added. Looking ahead, Chase believes that facing top-tier teams like Australia and India provides essential preparation for upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2026. ‘These tough matches are part of our growth. If we learn from these experiences, we can be more competitive against teams closer to our ranking,’ he concluded.
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Column: Plaatsing nog mogelijk!
Suriname has emerged as a strong contender in the latest FIFA window, securing two draws and now sharing the top spot with Panama due to a superior goal difference. Despite Natio’s commendable performances, the team managed to secure only two points from these matches. While Suriname can take pride in these results, especially considering the numerous opportunities their opponents had in the away game, it is evident that the attack line requires reinforcement. Had Natio capitalized on their chances in the home game, they could have clinched a victory. The match against Panama was a different story, where Suriname could have easily faced defeat if their opponents had converted their opportunities. This underscores the urgent need for the management to recruit prolific strikers to ensure that created chances are effectively converted into goals. It is rare for teams to capitalize on every opportunity, but it is equally uncommon to squander as many chances as Suriname did. While preventing the opponent from scoring is not always possible, it is crucial to ensure that more goals are scored when opportunities arise. This is the key to securing three points, which is ultimately what matters. Unfortunately, goal-scoring remains a challenge even for professional teams. If Suriname aims to qualify for the World Cup, the attack line must perform better, as no matter how cohesive the teamwork is, without goals, victories cannot be achieved. With two matches remaining, Suriname still has a chance to qualify for the World Cup. However, converting these matches into wins and scoring more goals is crucial, especially since Panama has the same number of points, and goal difference could be decisive. In top-tier sports, there is no room for complacency or what is locally referred to as ‘tjepotie.’ Players are recruited to perform specific roles, and if they repeatedly fail to deliver, they must make way for others who are in better form. Natio is now stronger than ever, and opponents are aware of this, as evidenced by the tactics employed to negatively impact the team’s performance, such as loud music played near the hotel at night or discriminatory actions. It is high time that Natio’s growth is reflected in the final standings, as the points are essential for qualification. Lessons must be learned from the mistakes made in the last two matches without assigning blame. The limited points earned are a collective responsibility and must be addressed as such. Playing World Cup qualifiers is a new experience for all involved, and mistakes are inevitable. The key is to learn from these mistakes and find solutions collectively. In the final phase of the group matches, Natio can no longer afford any missteps. The focus must remain unwavering: World Cup participation. Qualification is still within reach!
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GFA President appointed to FIFA Technical Development Committee
Marlon Glean, President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA), has been appointed to the FIFA Technical Development Committee for the 2025–2029 term. This decision, ratified by the FIFA Council in October 2025, underscores Glean’s exceptional contributions to international football governance and highlights Grenada’s growing prominence in the global football arena. The appointment aligns with FIFA’s statutes and governance regulations, further solidifying Glean’s role as a leading advocate for football reform, innovation, and equitable development, particularly in resource-limited yet talent-rich regions like the Caribbean. Glean also serves on Concacaf’s Football Development Committee, where he influences regional strategies for advancing the sport across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In a statement, Glean expressed his honor in assuming this responsibility, emphasizing the committee’s pivotal role in shaping global football development strategies. He pledged to ensure that the perspectives and aspirations of smaller nations, including Grenada, are prominently represented in these discussions.
Glean’s appointment is a significant milestone for Grenada and the Caribbean region. The FIFA Technical Development Committee plays a crucial role in guiding the evolution of football through training methodologies, grassroots initiatives, elite youth development, and coaching education. Glean’s involvement will create a direct link between Grenada’s football ecosystem and FIFA’s strategic frameworks, ensuring the nation’s visibility and influence in global technical development decisions.
This development not only elevates Grenada’s credibility on the international football stage but also aligns with the GFA’s broader objectives. These include expanding grassroots programs, accelerating the growth of women’s football, enhancing technical capacity in coaching and officiating, and unlocking investments in local infrastructure and talent.
Glean’s appointment coincides with his increasing presence on the global football development circuit. He has recently participated in the World Football Summit in Hong Kong and is scheduled to speak at Soccerex Miami, the Africa Football Business Summit in Kenya, and the Sports Investment Forum in Saudi Arabia in May 2026. These engagements position Grenada as a thought leader in advocating for resilience, equity, and innovation in football’s future.
Glean, a former national team player, legal professional, and international development executive, brings over two decades of expertise in sports law, compliance, and governance to the committee. Prior to his GFA presidency, he served as FIFA’s Regional Development Manager for the Caribbean, overseeing football development in 22 nations.
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Molino, Spicer call for more ruthless approach in World Cup qualifiers
Trinidad and Tobago’s men’s football team faced a challenging 1-1 draw against Curacao in their FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier on October 14, prompting calls for a more decisive approach in front of goal. Playmaker Kevin Molino and flanker Tyrese Spicer emphasized the need for greater consistency and focus to convert opportunities into victories. The match, held in Willemstad, saw Curacao take an early lead, but Spicer’s equalizer in the 58th minute, assisted by Molino, kept TT in contention. Despite dominating with seven shots on target compared to Curacao’s one, TT failed to secure the win, leaving them third in Group B of Concacaf’s final qualifying round. Curacao, now second, trails Jamaica, who surged to the top with a 4-0 victory over Bermuda. Spicer highlighted the team’s potential but stressed the importance of maintaining structure and capitalizing on momentum. Molino, returning from suspension, echoed these sentiments, noting the team’s tendency to concede avoidable goals. With crucial home matches against Jamaica and Bermuda in November, TT remains optimistic about their chances. Molino urged fans to continue their support, promising a relentless effort to secure the necessary points for qualification.