Sportswear giant Adidas will become the main sponsor of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) and official kit supplier of all national football teams, effective January 2023.

The JFF made the announcement of the significant deal on Saturday.

“We are incredibly proud to announce this unprecedented partnership with Adidas and are looking forward to achieving great things together,” JFF President Michael Ricketts said in a release.

“The partnership will support the JFF’s efforts to develop Jamaican football at all levels and will facilitate further success at the professional level in the years to come. The JFF is now a part of the adidas portfolio of international federations, joining giants such as the DFB (Germany), RFEF (Spain), AFA (Argentina), FIGC (Italy), and the RBFA (Belgium),” he said.

Nick Craggs, General Manager for Adidas Global Football, said the company was looking forward to contributing to the development of football in Jamaica.

“We’re delighted to be announcing this long-term partnership with the Jamaica Football Federation. The country´s potential on the pitch – of which the consecutive World Cup qualifications of the Women´s team is a testament – along with the richness and global relevance of its culture, which resonates far beyond football and Jamaica´s borders, make it a great fit to join our Adidas international Federations family. We look forward to celebrating many achievements together while contributing to the progress and future of Jamaican football at all levels of the game,” Craggs said.

The JFF, in its release, stated that Marlon Gilbert-Roberts, CEO of Business 2 Sports Group, was one of the architects of the “historic deal” alongside sports lawyer Jonathan Himpe and Fitzroy Simpson.

Gilbert-Roberts said the partnership “represents a unique opportunity for renewal, and rebuilding on a strong foundation.

“It is fitting that this announcement is made on the day we celebrate our 60th year of Independence. This partnership celebrates the unity, strength, inclusivity, joy, national pride and tradition that consistently places Jamaican culture centre stage,” he said.

In the meantime, Cedella Marley, CEO of the Bob Marley Foundation and Football is Freedom, commenting on the partnership, noted that it comes on the heels of the Reggae Girlz’ consecutive World Cup qualifications, and added that it “confirms that Jamaican football is a worthy investment”.

“Having adidas on board at this crucial stage is a great boost overall; from our grass-roots development straight through to our competition at the highest levels of the game,” Marley said.

Jamaica’s current national teams’ kit sponsor is Umbro.