Rumble in the F.F.B….Congress warns executive members about malicious and undermining activities

The Football Federation of Belize is currently not on its most stable footing. After a marathon session of fundraising which fell short and a less than spectacular showing at the Gold Cup, the F.F.B. now finds itself unable to pay Team Belize players for their participation in that international competition. That’s cause for concern enough…but News Five has been able to confirm that there is serious internal conflict within the organization at the highest levels.

Reliable reports are that F.F.B. President, Ruperto Vicente, called a President’s meeting on Wednesday. Present at that meeting was the congress of the F.F.B., made up of eight representatives from the district associations. News Five has confirmed that at the meeting, Vicente tried to convince the Congress to suspend Senior Vice President Sergio Chuc and executive members Marlon Kuylen and Cruz Gamez. One source in the meeting told us that Vicente claimed that Chuc, Kuylen and Gamez were conspiring to undermine him.

That’s a big move in an executive which has already lost its Vice President, Rawell Pelayo. Pelayo was seized by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency two months ago and hasn’t been seen or heard from since. News Five has been informed that the Congress refused Vicente’s request because such a move would require an Extraordinary Congress meeting which can only be called under special circumstances…and then following a specific procedure.

But the Congress did act, even if not in the manner requested by the F.F.B. President. News Five has confirmed that Vicente, Chuc, Kuylen and Gamez have ALL received warning letters dated Wednesday, September fourth. In those letters, the Congress writes, “It has come to the attention of the members of congress that some members of the executive of the F.F.B. are engaged in malicious and undermining activities that are contrary to FIFA’s code of ethics…” And then the stern warning, “If this type of behavior continues, serious disciplinary action will be taken according to FIFA’s disciplinary code. We the members of congress will not tolerate any activities that will hinder the progress and development of football in Belize.” The letters weren’t addressed to anyone in particular – only to Executive Member. And they are signed by the eight members of Congress. Does this spell disaster for the already fumbling F.F.B.? Only time will tell. We could not reach Vicente for comment, since he was out of the country on FIFA business. The other members of the Executive we contacted refused to speak on the matter.