Posted: Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 11:52 am CST.
Port Layola (white, blue, and black) drew 0-0 with Verdes (white and green) on Sunday, March 16, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. Photo Credit: Port Layola FC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Despite an unresolved appeal by Port Layola regarding a controversial offside ruling in their match against Verdes, the Premier League of Belize (PLB) has decided to move forward with its playoffs, set to kick off this weekend.
At the heart of the dispute is a goal scored by Steven Gentle of Verdes in the 89th minute of their second-round match against Port Layola, which ended in a 0-0 draw on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. The goal was initially ruled offside, prompting Verdes to protest to the PLB Disciplinary Committee, which ruled in their favour. However, Port Layola challenged the ruling, elevating the matter to the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) Appeals Committee, whose final decision is still pending.
While Verdes had initially pushed for the protest, citing its impact on the Road to Concacaf Cumulative Table standings, the situation has now shifted. Both Port Layola and Verdes finished the two regular seasons tied at 44 points, with Verdes edging ahead on goal difference. Given this outcome, any decision by the Appeals Committee would no longer affect the playoff structure. A ruling in favor of Verdes could add three points to their tally, while a decision favouring Port Layola would maintain the current standings.
With the playoff matchups unaffected, the PLB has decided not to delay proceedings. The action kicks off on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., when the San Pedro Pirates, who secured fourth place with 10 points, take on reigning champions Port Layola at Ambergris Stadium in San Pedro.
Then on Sunday at 4 p.m., Progresso, the third-place finisher with 17 points, will battle Verdes, who secured the second seed with 19 points, at the People’s Stadium in Orange Walk.
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The post Premier League of Belize: Port Layola appeal against Verdes protest still unresolved appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, April 2, 2025. 11:52 am CST. Port Layola (white, blue, and black) drew 0-0 with Verdes (white and green) on Sunday, March 16, at
The post Premier League of Belize: Port Layola appeal against Verdes protest still unresolved appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
