Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2025. 1:24 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma: Belizean football fan Mr. Ayala took to social media this week to share his frustrating experience attending an international match hosted by the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), highlighting serious accessibility issues and unequal treatment of local fans, particularly those with disabilities.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Ayala described the ordeal he faced from the moment he arrived at the stadium.
As a wheelchair user, he was directed to park far from the entrance in a grassy area — a location not suited for wheelchair access.
Meanwhile, closer and more accessible parking spots were reserved for visiting fans from Honduras’ Motagua FC.
“Of course, I went against all their rules and parked right where it was accessible,” he wrote. “Cops were called up on me to remove my vehicle or risk getting it towed even after paying my $10 parking.”
Eventually, after intervention by police and organizers, he was allowed to park.
“FFB officials were called up, Verdes FC officials came over and finally was allowed in the stadium,” he added.
But the challenges continued inside the stadium, Ayala shared.
Although the FFB Stadium includes wheelchair-accessible ramps, organizers had blocked the entrances with barricades to create a paid restroom zone.
“What’s the ramp good for if its purpose is forgotten?” Ayala questioned. He shared that he had to rely on fellow attendees for help navigating the ramps and was even verbally harassed by restroom staff.
“I’m not here criticizing our Federation or bashing our country,” he clarified. “But I’m here to bring positive criticism for events to be carried out in a more inclusive manner for ALL TO ENJOY despite our disabilities……..Why make our Belizean’s community with special needs lives harder or much worse forget about us while organizing your events? HANDICAP ASSIGNED PARKING ARE NOT FOR POLICE OFFICERS OR FEDERATION OFFICIALS VEHICLES TO PARK,” Ayala stated.
Despite the setbacks, Ayala said he still enjoyed the match. “I enjoyed my Belikin beers, a few tacos with my mom Cel Ayala, number 1 Verdes fan, and cheered for our team — win, draw, or lose.”
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The post Belizean fan calls on Football officials to improve accessibility at sporting facilities appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, July 30, 2025. 1:24 pm CST. By Zoila Palma: Belizean football fan Mr. Ayala took to social media this week to share his frustrating
The post Belizean fan calls on Football officials to improve accessibility at sporting facilities appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
