AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life Sports Belize National team can't get to French Guiana for a Match

The Football Federation of Belize regrets to inform the Belizean public that the National Team was unable to travel to French Guiana to participate in the Concacaf Nations League match against French Guiana scheduled for the 5'h of September 2019. The Federation takes this opportunity to inform the public that circumstance beyond the control of the FFB caused such.

In order to play the away game in French Guiana and make it back home on time to play the home match on September 8th, 2019, the Federation chartered a flight. On Wednesday August 251h. 2019, FFB officials were informed that the aircraft that had recently been contracted was damaged when being moved to safety from then TS Dorian. The following update received on Thursday morning was that said aircraft could not be repaired in time for the Jaguar's flight. Another private jet was chartered with the logistical help of Concacaf, however it was unable to get landing permits to land in French Guiana.

While all options seemed exhausted, the FFB remained hopeful until tonight at 7:55 (9:55 Eastern) when the Miami office informed the Federation that despite their utmost best efforts, they were forced to call off all attempts of getting the Belize National team to French Guiana.

The FFB had made all necessary arrangements to be able to travel to French Guiana. Preparations made included the booking of hotel in French Guiana, Mercure Hotel and arrangements for food and accommodation. Additionally the entire team had previously travelled Guatemala City to obtain visas for the trip.

Tonight at 7:55 the official confirmation was received and the Jaguars were updated on the current situation. The team remains in camp this week as they continue to prepare for Grenada while we await the decision of Concacaf's disciplinary committee.

FOR THE LOVE OF THE SPORT SUPPORT!!!!

CNL: All Three Points Awarded To French Guiana

The Football Federation of Belize informed Concacaf that they "will not be able to report" for the Concacaf Nations League match vs French Guiana today, and as such the three points have been awarded to French Guiana.

Concacaf said, "The Football Federation of Belize has informed Concacaf that they will not be able to report for the Concacaf Nations League group stage match versus the Ligue de Football de la Guyane [French Guiana]. The match was scheduled to take place today, Thursday, September 5 at the Stade Municipal Dr. Edmard Lama, in Cayenne, French Guiana.

"As per the competition regulations, the Football Federation of Belize shall be considered to have lost the match 3-0 and three points have been awarded to French Guiana. Additionally, the matter will be referred to the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee for further review."

FFB Bex About CONCACAF Sanction

The Football Federation of Belize is contemplating whether or not it should appeal a decision from the CONCACAF Disciplinary Committee. That Committee has decided to sanction Belize for missing a match in French Guiana.

Earlier this month, the FFB explained that the National Team was unable to travel to French Guiana to participate in the Concacaf Nation's League Match against French Guiana, which was scheduled for September 5th. From their perspective, they were fighting an uphill battle, after their previous travel arrangements for the team completely fell through.

For various, legitimate reasons, it turned into a logistical nightmare, and, in the end, the team simply didn't make it because their chartered flights couldn't get them there.

Well, the Concacaf Disciplinary Committee has examined the case, and that committee ruled last Tuesday that the FFB is at fault.

Their ruling says, quote, "After due examination of the case, of the evidence at their disposalÃ�ââ���� the Committee determined that the Football Federation of Belize is responsible and accountable for its lack of compliance in arriving in French Guiana on time."

As for penalties, the Committee imposed a warning to the FFB. The Committee also recommended that Concacaf retain the travel allowance for the amount of $50,000 US to the FFFB, for Belize's upcoming match #53 against St. Kitts and Nevis, which is scheduled to be played on October 13th, 2019.

Their ruling closes by saying, quote, "Be advised that the Football Federation of Belize may be excluded from further participation in the Concacaf Nations League and stronger sanctions may be imposed, if there are any repeated incidents." End quote.

Yashmin Juan, the FFB's Communications and Marketing Director, commented, quote, "The FFB is contemplating appealing the decision." End quote.

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