With the completion of Round 7 of the BPFL Cup 2011 tournament over the weekend, BPFL Manager Marvin Ottley said today that the league has decided to abort the remaining games of the regular season and go straight to the playoffs, beginning this coming weekend. This decision has something to do with the venue problems caused since BPFL clubs, coming under the umbrella of the sanctioned FFB, were denied use of the Sports Council owned fields for their competition matches these past two weeks.
In that regard, F.C. Belize owner Lionel Welch revealed today that his team is severely handicapped, as they are also being denied the opportunity to practice on the MCC Grounds. The BPFL is affiliated to the FFB, but Welch insists they are an autonomous league, who are, like many others, including the Ministry of Sports, displeased with the way the FFB has conducted its affairs. He noted that the BPFL voted against Dr. Chimilio in the last FFB “elections.” But, in punishing the FFB for its failure to abide by the Sports Act, the Sports Council is also inflicting pain on BPFL clubs. Practice fields are scarce in Belize City, and F.C. Belize may be the most affected of the 4 clubs in the BPFL competition. The BPFL still hopes to send its winner to the CONCACAF series.
Round 7 games were played on Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday.
On Holy Thursday night, April 21, at the Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo, Julian Maldonado’s 48th minute goal proved the margin of difference as home standing Hankook Verdes recorded a 1-nil victory over visiting F.C. Belize.
Then on Holy Saturday, April 23, at the FFB field in Belmopan, defending 3-peat champion Belize Defence Force had to come from behind late in the game to manage a 1-1 draw against San Felipe Barcelona. Clifton West gave San Felipe the lead at the 25th minute, but Evan Mariano replied for BDF at the 81st minute for the 1-1 final score.
Semifinal playoffs will be a home and away format between #1 and #4 seeds, and #2 and #3 seeds, with the aggregate winners meeting in the finals series.
Sunday, May 1, Playoff game 1
4:00 p.m. – San Felipe Barcelona vs F.C. Belize – San Felipe Football Field
4:00 p.m. – Belize Defence Force vs Hankook Verdes – FFB Field