Posted: Friday, May 9, 2025. 9:07 am CST.
Photo Credit: FFB/OWFA
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) have confirmed that their Disciplinary Committee are currently reviewing the controversial Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) racism case, which saw three Yo Creek United players suspended for 19 months from all football activities in Orange Walk.
FFB Marketing and Communications Director Yashmin Juan stated that while OWFA have already issued their sanctions, the FFB are conducting their own review to ensure all procedures were followed correctly.
“All our tournament regulations have anti-racism clauses,” Juan said.
“The sanctions are being applied because the matter was reported. I would like to believe that associations know that we have a strict policy, so they know that sanctions need to be levied. I guess the nature of the incident and the remarks made prompted a stricter response. At the FFB level, the disciplinary committee is still reviewing the matter.”
On 6 May 2025, OWFA issued suspensions to Luis Chi, Juan Diaz, and Amilcar Jones following allegations that they directed racial slurs towards Mi Gente player Mark Bainton during a semi-final match at Louisiana Football Field on 4 May. According to reports, Bainton told the referee multiple times that he was being called offensive names, including “black monkey”.
The match commissioner was informed, leading to a consultation with both team captains. Mi Gente refused to continue playing unless Chi was removed from the field, prompting the abandonment of the match with Yo Creek United leading 4-2 in the 82nd minute.
A Pivotal Decision for Belizean Football
This marks the first time in Belizean football history that players have faced suspension for racial abuse. OWFA President Ladrick Sheppard reaffirmed the association’s commitment to fairness and respect in football, emphasizing that discriminatory behaviour will not be tolerated.
Yo Creek United, however, dispute the accusations, arguing that there is no concrete evidence proving their players engaged in racism. The club claim their players were not granted due process and insist they will fight the ruling.
FFB’s Role in the Review Process
While OWFA have imposed their sanctions, the FFB Disciplinary Committee’s review could result in further actions at the national level. The FFB have been vocal about their commitment to FIFA’s anti-racism movement and have pledged to ensure strict enforcement of their policies.
With the ongoing review, the conversation around racism in Belizean football continues to grow, and the case could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future. Whether the FFB uphold OWFA’s ruling or make modifications remains to be seen, but their involvement signals that racism in football will no longer be ignored.
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The post FFB Disciplinary Committee reviewing Orange Walk FA racism case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, May 9, 2025. 9:07 am CST. Photo Credit: FFB/OWFA By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) have confirmed that their Disciplinary Committee
The post FFB Disciplinary Committee reviewing Orange Walk FA racism case appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
