Appeal Reversed for B.D.F. in Football Dispute

An unorthodox decision by the Football Federation of Belize Appeals Committee is throwing a wrench in the Premier League of Belize Championship Finals. Last week, we reported about a protest by the Belize Defence Force Football Club to the Disciplinary Committee of the League on a referee’s decision during a penalty kick against Verdes Football Club. That decision cost B.D.F. F.C. its spot in the finals against the Belmopan Bandits and the military cried foul. The Disciplinary Committee rules in favor of Verdes and the first match of the finals went on this past Sunday. Well an appeal was made on that verdict and today, F.F.B. Secretary General issued a letter overruling the decision of the Disciplinary Committee. Signed by F.F.B. Appeals Committee Chairman Cecil Ramirez, and members Carolyn Williams and David Griffith, the document states that Disciplinary Committee improperly extended the interpretation of the PLB Regulations 2017 and based on FIFA precedents, the B.D.F. F.C. appeal is allowed. The game played on April twenty-ninth is to be replayed and that any game played after the thirtieth of April is declared null and void and of no effect. So come this Sunday, the match between Verdes and B.D.F. football clubs will be held to determine who goes to the finals. B.D.F. holds a two goals to nil advantage from the first leg, meaning Verdes must better that result to advance.