BELMOPAN, Mon. Mar. 22, 2021– The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) takes this time to express its disappointment and disgust at an unfortunate incident faced by the Jaguars as the team was headed from the airport to the hotel this morning in Haiti. Despite the four man police escort, the team bus was stopped by an uproar of insurgents with assault rifles on motorcycles and police escorts were forced to negotiate with them for the team bus to continue its journey to the hotel. The situation is one that the team should have never faced but we are pleased to report that our Jaguars, although shaken by the terrible experience, are safely at their hotel.

We take this opportunity to thank the Jaguars for their bravery and inform their families that the safety of our team is our top priority. We are currently in contact with respective authorities from FIFA and Concacaf and are doing everything possible to get them to safer grounds. It is unfortunate that our Jaguars faced such a traumatic experience.

Team Co-Captain Deon McCaulay shared with the team, “I am happy everyone is safe and I commend you guys for being brave. It was a moment of intense fear. Let’s continue to stick together and please make the best decisions when it comes to the team.”

– press release –

(AMANDALA Sports Ed. Note: In a television news interview this evening, FFB executive member Marlon Kuylen said that a visit is expected tomorrow, Tuesday by the Concacaf match commissioner assigned to the Haiti vs Belize game, and Belize will express our strong desire not to play the match under the prevailing unsettled conditions in Haiti. Concacaf will decide if the game is cancelled and the three points forfeited to Belize, or if the game will be rescheduled to another venue. In the meantime, Belizeans at home are praying for the safety of our sports ambassadors. Internal strife due to politics and gangs has resulted in the charged climate in Haiti right now. With their strong sporting culture, Haitian fans will not be hostile to Belizean footballers. Indeed, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the games are played to empty stadiums. The only concern is the possible flare-up of violence between gangs or political factions that might pose a danger to our delegation members. Stand strong, and stay safe, Jaguars! Belize is with you all the way. Le’s go, Belize!) ‘