FFB Takes Disciplinary Action Against National Team Players for Refusing to Play

The Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is taking disciplinary action against three players from the male National Team after the players refused to play in a match over the weekend. The FFB says that, on Saturday, Michael Salazar, Nanah Mensah and Deshawon Nembhard, refused to play in the game against Nicaragua’s national team. The players cited contractual differences as their reason for opting out of playing. The FFB says that it is disappointed in the players as their refusal just four hours before kickoff, forced the team to make adjustments to the roster and coaching staff as two of the players were on the starting 11. The FFB also said, quote, “The FFB invested significantly in ensuring optimal conditions for the team, including substantial investments in travel expenses, accommodations, and stipends to support our athletes,” End of quote. The federation says it will refer the matter to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the FFB for revision and will also forward a transcript of the details to CONCACAF. However, the players responded with a statement of their own, calling out the FFB for what they believe is poor management. The players said that they had to take a stand as they had been reporting issues to the FFB for years but they were unresolved. The players said, quote “We are simply asking for the same in return from the federation so we have the opportunity to compete and represent Belize at the highest level.” They said that could not elaborate further since action is being taken against them, but they will offer more details when they are able to do so.