Posted: Monday, October 27, 2025. 3:17 pm CST.
Francis Hauze was the top scorer of the match against Panama with 27 points; Kyron Sutherland and libero Michael Jenkins, in white, are in the background. Photo Credit: @norceca_info
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
The Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) have issued a formal complaint to NORCECA and AFECAVOL, the regional volleyball governing bodies, following what it describes as “atrocious officiating decisions” during the Men’s Volleyball bronze medal match between Belize and Panama at the Central American Games 2023 on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
Belize fell 2–3 (25–27, 25–23, 22–25, 25–21, 12–15) in a five-set thriller at the Gimnasio Teodoro Palacios Flores in Guatemala City. The match was a display high-level play, with Belize rallying to force a fifth set after trailing 1–2. Francis Hauze led all scorers with 27 points and was later named the tournament’s 2nd Best Spiker, while Kyron Sutherland earned recognition as the 2nd Best Blocker. Panama’s Felix Williams contributed 25 points to help secure his country’s first volleyball medal since 2013.
BVA President Allan Sharp, speaking to Breaking Belize News, did not mince words:
“I am sure you heard or saw the disgraceful officiating for the end of the Male VB bronze medal match by the Costa Rican referee,” he said.
Sharp confirmed that Belize Volleyball would be submitting an official protest to the regional governing bodies, stating that the decisions made by head referee Tatiana Villalobos “arguably caused Belize the medal.”
Belize played a high-octane game against Panama in the bronze medal match at the Central American Games on Tuesday night in Guatemala City. Photo Credit: @norceca_info
The controversy centers on two pivotal moments in the fifth and deciding set. First, Belize was issued a yellow card for a delay of game during a substitution—an infraction Sharp described as “questionable,” noting that referees typically issue a verbal warning before escalating to a card. This yellow card meant any further infraction would result in a red card and a point awarded to the opposing team.
Then, with Panama leading 13–12, Belize’s Eleazar Mejía executed a wipe-off shot that appeared to deflect off the Panamanian blocker before striking the antenna—an action that should have awarded Belize the point.
“Belize starts celebrating the point and Panama is showing the reaction of losing the point,” Sharp recounted. “This happens at the antenna immediately in front of the head referee. BUT the referee calls the ball OUT meaning the ball hit the antenna without touching the Panama blocker.”
The disputed call gave Panama a 14–12 lead—match point. Belize’s players reacted emotionally but respectfully, with team captain attempting to speak to the referee, who “gestured them away.” In the aftermath, veteran player Francis Hauze—widely regarded as calm and respectful—made a statement during the tense moment. The referee responded by issuing a red card, awarding Panama the final point and the bronze medal.
Elton Anderson against Panama at the Central American Games 2023 on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Photo Credit: @norceca_info
Sharp emphasized that referees are trained to manage emotional situations with patience, especially in crucial matches.
“Even if it was that he made a disrespectful statement, a referee does not issue a red card to finish a bronze medal match,” he said.
“This would never occur at a USA vs Brazil bronze medal match at the Olympics and if it did, that referee would be heavily reprimanded and never officiate at the world level again.”
In a statement dated Thursday, October 23, the BVA echoed these concerns, stating that the referee’s decision “lacked justification and transparency,” and that the Panamanian player’s reaction confirmed the point should have gone to Belize. The Association called for accountability and reaffirmed its commitment to fair play and integrity in sport.
“We trust that these governing bodies will investigate the matter thoroughly, take appropriate corrective action, and establish safeguards to prevent such incidents from recurring, the BVA said in its statement.
“While the outcome cannot be reversed, we stand firmly by our athletes, who represented Belize with integrity, passion, and professionalism throughout the tournament. Their performance deserves respect, and we will continue to advocate for fairness, transparency and accountability in all levels of competition.”
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The post Belize Volleyball Association condemn refereeing decisions that cost Belize bronze at Central American Games, file official protest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, October 27, 2025. 3:17 pm CST. Francis Hauze was the top scorer of the match against Panama with 27 points; Kyron Sutherland and libero
The post Belize Volleyball Association condemn refereeing decisions that cost Belize bronze at Central American Games, file official protest appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
