Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 12:43 pm CST.
FFB Legal Officer Earl Jones completes FIFA Diploma in Football Law Course
Earl Jones – Photo Courtesy: Earl Jones
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Earl Jones, now serving as Legal Compliance and Governance Officer for the Football Federation of Belize (FFB), has completed the FIFA Diploma in Football Law course.
Jones, who stepped down as FFB Secretary General in January 2025, is now the only person in Belize to hold this FIFA certification, gained with the intent of advancing football governance in the country. Jones was one among 24 participants from around the world to successfully complete the program, cementing his position among a select group of legal football professionals.
The FIFA Diploma in Football Law, recognized as an initiative to promote legal excellence in football governance, started in February 2024. Participants, including Jones, delved into critical aspects of football law, ranging from contracts and disputes to transfer regulations and Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) proceedings. The modules took place in cities such as Zurich, Switzerland; Asunción, Paraguay; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; and Miami, United States.
“It’s a tremendous achievement specializing in football law,” Jones said, reflecting on his accomplishment.
“I’ll be using it in the development of the Football Federation [of Belize] and in addressing the legal issues that we face from day to day. I’m trying to put things into place and see how we can resolve these issues amongst our football family in an amicable way.”
Under his guidance, the FFB is now establishing an Alternative Dispute Resolution Chamber, which Jones will coordinate. He has already trained 12 mediators who will manage the legal issues that arise within the FFB. Jones noted that a recurrent disciplinary issue involves the transfer of players between clubs, highlighting the need for a structured framework to address such disputes.
In September 2024, during the third module held in Dubai, Jones and his cohort tackled FIFA Transfer Regulations, engaging with leading experts, arbitrators, and academics while networking with legal professionals from across the world. The course also facilitated discussions on improving governance standards and aligning them with international best practices—a goal Jones says he is pursuing to enhance the operational framework of the FFB.
Earl Jones – Photo Courtesy: Earl Jones
Jones said currently he is looking at a recent challenge involving players from the Belize Men’s National Team, who expressed dissatisfaction with honorariums and bonuses provided by the FFB. Their concerns included reduced training per diem stipends and the removal of game fees. To address these grievances, Jones said he is looking into the formation of a players’ union.
“I’m dialoguing right now with FIFPRO, the FIFA Association of Professional Footballers, to try and see how we can start a union for professional players,” he stated.
“That’s something that is in the making. I’m hoping that we could probably make some headway with it by midyear because players need to have representation as well in the whole legal structure of the Federation.”
He added that once a players’ union is established, it would pave the way for a collective bargaining agreement with the FFB, offering players a united voice while minimizing individual exposure.
The program culminated in March 2025 in Zurich, where participants explored CAS proceedings. Throughout the diploma course, FIFA emphasized its commitment to fairness, transparency, and accessibility in football governance, values that Jones says he is now attempting to integrate into the FFB.
The FFB previously expressed its support for Jones’s involvement in the diploma, highlighting the transformative impact his participation would have on the organization.
“By gaining insights from global counterparts and engaging in high-level discussions on football law, Jones will be equipped with advanced knowledge and strategies to bolster the legal and operational frameworks of the FFB,” the national federation said.
As the only Belizean with this certification, Jones’s achievement marks a new era for football in Belize. His advanced expertise, combined with global insights and his proactive initiatives, is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering growth, integrity, and excellence within the sport on both national and international stages.
The football family is watching expectantly.
Earl Jones recognized for completing FIFA Diploma in Football Law course. Photo Courtesy: Earl Jones
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The post FFB Legal Officer Earl Jones completes FIFA Diploma in Football Law Course appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 12:43 pm CST. FFB Legal Officer Earl Jones completes FIFA Diploma in Football Law Course Earl Jones – Photo Courtesy: Earl Jones By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Earl Jones,
The post FFB Legal Officer Earl Jones completes FIFA Diploma in Football Law Course appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
