FIFA President in Belize What about Chimilio?

President of the Federation of International Football Associations, Joseph Sepp Blatter, visited Belize for the inauguration of GOAL PROJECT II on Wednesday, April 13. Blatter is perhaps the most powerful man in sports and the visit underlines his commitment to the development of football in Belize. GOAL PROJECT II involves the construction of the “Seating Facility and Change Rooms” at the Football Federation of Belize Headquarters in Belmopan City.  

Before attending the inauguration, Blatter paid a courtesy visit on the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow. He was accompanied by other high profile officials of FIFA, CONCACAF and FFB. His meeting with the Prime Minister lasted a little over 30 minutes and he was gracious enough to break from his tight schedule and shared the details of the meeting.   

The national federation has been under scrutiny recently as there is a committee commissioned by the Minister of Sports, Hon. John Saldivar, to investigate the election process of the executive board. However, Blatter said that his conversation with Prime Minister Barrow was not about the controversy but about the overall development of football in Belize. Blatter said that Prime Minister Barrow did mention that there is a problem; however, he believes that it is a small problem of personalities. What he and PM Barrow spent most of their brief time talking about is the Federation’s long term role in developing football in Belize.

Blatter spoke of immediate areas where he believes the federation can assist. One of which is the provision of balls. Blatter said that football develops self discipline in individuals. More balls out in the community means more youths on the football field and less youths on the streets. However, those fields need to be playable for the youths. One very important area that needs to be addressed is field condition. While a small country like Belize will never have a bunch of FIFA standard fields, it is not too much to ask for basic lighting. Blatter spoke of a possible lighting project that could be directed at Belize so that the youths can play in the evenings.

He was asked if he has confidence in the President of the Football Federation of Belize, Dr.  Bertie Chimilio, and he said that he has total confidence in him. He said that the problem needs to be resolved for the good of the sport.