Bandits Not Hogging FIFA-Certified Isidoro Beaton Pitch

On a more positive note, the Isidoro Beaton Stadium at the corner of the Ring Road and San Martin Road was recently certified to FIFA-standard. It is the second stadium in Belize after the F.F.B. Stadium on the Hummingbird Highway to reach this standard and the first using artificial turf. The Belmopan Bandits football team, current Premier League champions, are effective primary tenants of the field and so it is a personal feather in the cap for their owner and Minister of Defence John Saldivar. But Saldivar on Friday refuted a rumour suggesting preferential treatment for his team. Under the tenure of the Belmopan City Council, says Saldivar, the rival Police United team also has opportunities to use the field.

John Saldivar

John Saldivar, Owner, Belmopan Bandits Sporting Club

“Very proud of that achievement; it’s a first for Belize. It means that that’s the only turf [stadium] in the country, that qualifies for FIFA activities, competitions, and games and so we feel very proud for having achieved this first in Belmopan.”

Reporter

“A few months back I received reports that only Bandits were allowed to practice at that stadium?”

John Saldivar

“That has never been the case, that was just wild rumor. As a matter of fact, as you know by now, Police [United] plays their official games there and they practice even more on the turf than the Belmopan Bandits at this time, since of course they have more time to practice. But that has never been the case. The City Council manages that facility and manages it impartially, with no regard to Bandits having any special preference at that field.”