Football Players Accuse FFB of Continued Mistreatment

FFB To Take Disciplinary Action Against Three Players

Three football players, Michael Salazar, Nanah Mensah, and Deshown Nembhard, are accusing the Football Federation of Belize of “continued mistreatment.”

The players shared a statement on social media following the FFB’s announcement of its decision to take disciplinary action against the three players. The FFB said that the three players chose not to participate in the June 8th match against the Nicaraguan team. The FFB said, “this decision was made just four hours before kickoff, significantly impacting the team’s performance in tonight’s match.”

In its statement, the FFB said, “The players in question were training with their national team counterparts for over a week. The FFB invested significantly in ensuring optimal conditions for the team, including substantial investments in travel expenses, accommodations, and stipends to support our athletes.”

The statement continued, “The sudden withdrawal of these three players, two of whom were part of the starting eleven, necessitated critical last-minute changes by the coaching staff.”

The FFB said it was disappointed and that the matter would be referred to the Disciplinary and Ethics Committee of the FFB for revision.

The Players’ Response

The three players, Michael Salazar, Nanah Mensah, and Deshown Nembhard, responded to the FFB’s statement on social media. The players said, “While it was an extremely difficult decision, we felt it necessary to take a stance against the continued mistreatment we have received from the Football Federation of Belize. On several occasions over the years, there has been unprofessional communication, lack of organization and poor conditions and accommodations.”

The players said they have “sat down with the FFB multiple times to express our concerns and discuss possible solutions to move forward.”

“However, at this time, nothing has been done to remedy the situation.”

They said that they did not feel it “fair or responsible to continue to be asked to play under such conditions and lack of professionalism.”

“Because of the current state of the actions being taken against us, we will not be able to give specific details at this time, however, when the time is right, we will provide further insight.”

Belize lost the match, 0-4.