The Jamaica Athletics Governing Body has denied reports of a dispute with world 100m champion Oblik Seville, the Jamaicaobserver reported.
Seville is entering the competition as the reigning world champion in the 100m. In preparation for the 2026 World Relay Championships, a dispute arose between the athlete's agents and the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association regarding when Seville should return to fulfill “contractual obligations.”
“His agent has been advised that the earliest possible date for available flights that would allow him to return to Miami is May 5, 2026, after noon. Therefore, we cannot guarantee an earlier return,” the JAAA press release said.
On Tuesday, April 21, the association reported that it had received a written notification from Seville's manager, Norman Peart, about the athlete's exclusion from the team for the World Championships, as well as that “he wishes the team success in the qualifying competitions for the World Championships, and Mr. Seville himself, if all goes well, remains at the disposal of the team to participate in the 4×100 m relay.”
Seville is one of six athletes Jamaica has entered in the men's 4x100m relay, joining world championship medallists Akeem Blake, Reem Ford and Rogan Watson, among others.