Historic Sanctions: Orange Walk FA suspends 3 Yo Creek United players for racist taunts in semifinal clash against Mi Gente

Published by [email protected] at May 7, 2025

Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 10:47 am CST.

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In a groundbreaking decision, the Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) has suspended three players from Yo Creek United FC for racist remarks directed at an opposing player during their semifinal match against Mi Gente FC. This marks the first time in Belizean football history that players have faced suspension for racism, sending a strong message that discriminatory behavior has no place in the sport.

The May 4, 2025, semifinal match saw Yo Creek United take a commanding 4-2 lead before the encounter was abandoned in the 83rd minute due to reports of racism on the field. Mi Gente players opted not to continue, prompting match officials to call off the game.

On May 6, 2025, the OWFA released an official statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy on racism and announcing the unprecedented sanctions. The three Yo Creek United players have each been suspended for one year and seven months, barring them from participation in any OWFA-sanctioned tournaments until January 2027. The ruling is final and non-appealable, and further sanctions may follow pending review by the Football Federation of Belize’s Disciplinary Committee. OWFA has confirmed the suspensions but has not yet disclosed the names of the players involved.

“The Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) strongly condemns all forms of racism, discrimination, and abusive conduct in football. The Association maintains an unwavering zero tolerance policy and will continue to take swift and decisive action against anyone who violates the principles of respect, inclusion, and fair play,” the Orange Walk FA said in its statement.

OWFA reinforced its position by further emphasizing:

“The OWFA reminds all stakeholders that football is a global language of unity, a sport that brings communities together, fosters friendship, and teaches discipline, equality, and respect. There is absolutely no place in our game for hate, racism, or discrimination of any kind.”

“We urge all clubs, players, officials, and supporters to stand in solidarity with these values and ensure that the spirit of fair play continues to guide every aspect of our competitions. Any future violations will be met with even more severe consequences, including lifetime bans if necessary.”

In response to the ruling, Yo Creek United FC has categorically refuted all accusations of racism against its players. The club released an official statement expressing dismay at the sanctions, calling them “harsh and unfounded” due to a lack of concrete evidence. They also criticized the disciplinary process, alleging that the players were deemed guilty without a proper investigation.

Additionally, OWFA noted that spectators were also involved in making racist remarks during the match, further heightening concerns over discriminatory behavior in football. The association emphasized that racism, discrimination, and abusive conduct are completely unacceptable, extending its zero-tolerance stance beyond just players to include fans and all participants in the sport. OWFA warned that any future violations—whether by players, officials, or spectators—will be met with severe consequences, including lifetime bans if necessary.

In response to racist remarks from the stands, OWFA made two announcements over the public address system instructing fans to cease their behavior. In the second announcement, OWFA reiterated its stance by declaring: “We remind you once more again that racism in football will not be tolerated. If racist behavior amongst the crowd continues, then the match will be abandoned, and appropriate disciplinary or criminal sanctions will be taken against the spectators and associations/clubs involved.”

The OWFA said that despite these warnings, the discriminatory taunts persisted, leading to a third and final announcement stating that the match had been officially abandoned.

The OWFA’s decision sets a precedent for Belizean football, reinforcing the commitment to a safe, inclusive, and respectful sporting environment for all.

As the tournament moves forward, the second leg of the semifinals is scheduled for Sunday, May 11, at Louisiana Football Field. The much-anticipated rematch between Yo Creek United and Mi Gente will kick off at 3:00 pm, followed by Progresso FC versus San Jose Pumas at 5:00 pm

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