BELMOPAN, Sun. Oct. 17, 2021– The Belmopan Bandits Sports Football Club would like to clarify its position with respect to its non-participation in the Top League Tournament being proposed by the Football Federation of Belize (FFB).

We first of all must state our disappointment with the FFB in failing to recognize the legitimately elected Executive of the Premier League of Belize (PLB) headed by Mr. Clifford King. Because the FFB has refused to recognize this new executive, this matter has had to be taken to the Supreme Court where we are awaiting a decision of the Court.

While the FFB has blocked the new PLB Executive from assuming office, it has proceeded to organize a new “Top-League” tournament where five of the nine PLB clubs will not be participating. From the nine PLB clubs, only five of the clubs were invited to participate in the FFB Top League Tournament. Although Belmopan Bandits was one of the five PLB clubs, it was denied participation because it refused to sign a participation agreement. We had indicated our willingness to participate once we were provided with the Regulations for the tournament, and once we were assured by CONCACAF that they are sanctioning this tournament as the qualifying tournament to Concacaf League. None of these things have been forthcoming. Moreover, we are being told that funds that were allocated by FIFA for the PLB including the Belmopan Bandits are now being redirected to this new League. This has to be illegal and considered a misuse of funds from the perspective of FIFA and CONCACAF, but we are yet to hear from these august bodies.

Additionally, the Belmopan Bandits has not been allowed access to FIFA online licensing system to renew its license. This, after millions have been invested over the past decade in building this prestigious club. The Belmopan Bandits is the winning-est club in Belize football history, having won nine PLB titles. We were the first club to complete all the requirements for FIFA Club License. We have represented Belize three times at Concacaf League. But, we refuse to be a part of the highhandedness of the Football Federation of Belize.

We have written to CONCACAF and FIFA for their intervention, and we are still hopeful that this matter can be amicably resolved. The Belmopan Bandits is therefore withdrawing from active football until the rights of the PLB as the only authorized body for top league football can be restored.

– press release –