The Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) has taken decisive action following an incident of racism during a football match between Yo Creek United FC and Mi Gente FC on Sunday.
According to a statement from the association, the incident occurred when players from Yo Creek United were reported for directing racist remarks at an opposing player. As a result, the match was suspended in the 82nd minute after match officials enforced the Football Federation of Belize’s (FFB) anti-racism protocol.
The association says it has a zero-tolerance policy on racism, discrimination, and abusive conduct in football. Following a detailed review of reports from the match commissioner and referee, the OWFA Disciplinary Committee issued sanctions. Three players from Yo Creek United FC have each been suspended for one year and seven months, making them ineligible to participate in any OWFA-sanctioned tournaments until January 2027. These sanctions are final and cannot be appealed. Additionally, further disciplinary action may be taken by the FFB once the case is reviewed by its Disciplinary Committee.