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For the first time in Belize’s storied football past, three players are under investigation by CONCACAF and UNCAF for match-fixing. The incredible allegation comes in the wake of a playoff match between B.D.F. and Verdes on April twenty-ninth, in which Verdes was victorious by a score of six to nil. Even more incredible is the fact that the accusation is being made by B.D.F. coach and current Jaguars Assistant Coach Charles Slusher. In a letter to the F.F.B. dated April thirtieth, Slusher asks the Federation to investigate, stating, “I suspect and believe that there were some players of the B.D.F. Football Club who were directly involved in match-fixing during the game. I can only suspect that some other players were involved, but specifically these three players stand out because of their actions before, during and after the game.” Today, F.F.B. President Ruperto Vicente told News Five that it is a matter that the Federation is taking seriously, and so is CONCACAF.
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Ruperto Vicente
Ruperto Vicente, President, Football Federation of Belize
“There was an allegation made and as a result when we got the complaint we sent the letter to the Integrity Officer named by CONCACAF because the F.F.B. cannot. We as the federation cannot investigate that. So someone who is independent of the Federation has to be the one doing the investigation.”
Mike Rudon
“Is an allegation of this of concern to the F.F.B.?”
Ruperto Vicente
“Certainly, because there are serious implications! Players can be suspended, clubs can be suspended, officials of the team can be suspended in this case if proven that the allegation was true.”
Mike Rudon
“I asked you earlier about the protocol. Is there any action which is taken before the investigation is complete as regards these three players?”
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Ruperto Vicente
“Not really. Because there is no concrete evidence we cannot take any action, or any action immediately. So we will have to wait for the investigator to complete the investigation and then when that is submitted, UNCAF and CONCACAF are satisfied that something was done, then the Federation will be asked to take action.”
Mike Rudon
“Have you been given any indication of how the investigation is progressing at this point?”
Ruperto Vicente
“Not at all! We cannot interfere in that investigation. As executives of the Federation we cannot, and that’s the reason CONCACAF appointed someone who should not be attached and cannot be attached to the Federation so that kind of investigation can be done.”
The Integrity Officer, Elmer Torres, will report his findings directly to CONCACAF and UNCAF. Those bodies will then make recommendations to the F.F.B., which will be responsible for taking any further actions.
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