FFB Executives & League Delegates Meet…

Ruperto Vicente

The Football Federation of Belize has been overwhelmed by internal sparring, a lack of organizational cohesion, management crises and allegations of financial mismanagement…so much so that some members of the Executive Committee had been alienated and we are told that all decisions were being made only by President Ruperto Vicente. It’s an unsustainable position for an organization which has known more than its share of controversy. But things have come to a head – perhaps forced to that point by the disqualification of the Belmopan Bandits from the Champions League. On Monday night Executive Members and league delegates from across the country were called to a meeting at F.F.B. Headquarters in Belmopan. Embattled F.F.B. President Ruperto Vicente told News Five today that all issues, no matter how unpleasant, were on the table for discussion.

Ruperto Vicente, President, Football Federation of Belize

“It was a very productive meeting. All the issues were aired out and as mature individuals we were able to say what we had to say, explain what we had to explain, and so we made a pledge to the members of the assembly and the delegates that we will embark on continuing the work for football development in Belize, and that’s where we’re at now.”

Reporter

“Are you confident that the issues have been resolved? There have been allegations of mismanagement…wide ranging allegations…we’ve talked about suspensions for Executive members…has all that been resolved?”

Ruperto Vicente

“Certainly! As I said everything was laid on the table, and one of the things we strongly agreed on was living by our statutes, following our statutes and making decisions according to our statutes, and we were weak in that. That is what has been affecting us and we have come to the conclusion that that’s what we need to do and so the Executive has agreed to continue to work together.”

Reporter

“Sir what was the discussion like when it comes to the recent situation with the pitch at the FFB Stadium not being ready for the CONCACAF championship? I can assume that was a heated discussion.”

Ruperto Vicente

“No, no…the discussion of the pitch did not come up. We never did discuss that because we have accepted the fact that our pitch was not ready for Champions League tournament and so we have to live with that. Even one of my good friends has advised me to count my losses, because this pitch is not going to be ready for Champions League, and so get ready for next year. So we’ve accepted that.”