By David Gold
June 15 – As Belize prepares to kick off the first qualifier for the 2014 World Cup when they take on Montserrat, they have been told by FIFA that they face sanctions if their Government interferes with the country’s football federation.
Belize’s Government says that the football federation (FFB) did not register with the National Sports Council and that therefore the team selected by the FFB is not eligible to represent the country.
FIFA has subsequently warned the Central American nation that the issue could be referred to their emergency committee for possible censure.
“If the current situation of apparent governmental interference is not resolved by June 30, it will be referred to the FIFA Emergency Committee for evaluation and potential sanctions,” said a spokesperson for FIFA.
Belize Sports Minister John Saldivar said: “I’ve written to the [FIFA] President [Sepp Blatter] reminding him that the Government of Belize has an obligation to uphold the laws of Belize and urging him to convince the FFB to comply.
“We have already informed FIFA that the FFB is not authorised to represent our country, so whatever selection they have put together cannot play as the national selection of Belize.”
Belize are scheduled to take on Montserrat at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, today.
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1732688825labto1732688825ofdlr1732688825owedi1732688825sni@d1732688825log.d1732688825ivad1732688825