We don't know what that means but to FFB President Dr. Bertie Chimilio. It means nothing. He's been out of the country but returned today. He told us by phone this evening that the plan remains the same: Belize will play game one of the World Cup qualifying match in Guatemala City.
Dr. Bertie Chimilio, FFB President
"We expected the backlash but we didn't expect this much and I got to say that things have been arranged and at this late stage we just got to move on with our plans."
Keith Swift,
So the position of the FFB if I am to understand you correctly is that this game will be played in Guatemala."
Dr. Bertie Chimilio,
"It will be played in Guatemala on February the 6th."
Keith Swift,
Government has said that the Carl Ramos Stadium might be ready in time for February sixth, that it might be finished by the end of the month. Will that be good enough, can something be done with that?
Dr. Bertie Chimilio,
"Definitely not Keith. FIFA is a serious organization, they don't do things in one month or two weeks - they do things months ahead and that is the reason last April, because the FIFA inspected the stadium, in July there was a reminder sent to the government, in September another reminder. We sat down in November to do something but at this late stage all I ask Belizeans is to support the team and let us hope this is a breakthrough for us in football."
Keith Swift,
Sir but they are not supporting the team, just about everybody is opposed to this.
Dr. Bertie Chimilio,
"Well it is unfortunate that at this point everybody jumps on now. As far as we are concerned, we've made the necessary arrangements and everything is set. It is unfortunate the response we've gotten but things have to be done, decisions are made, and are moving on."
Keith Swift,
Sir people are saying that Guatemala is hostile territory, did you in choosing Guatemala consider the fact that we have a territorial issue with Guatemala?
Dr. Bertie Chimilio,
"Well no. As I said in my last interview, sports transcends politics so we just want to play the game and we looked at all our options and that is the best one we came up with. I would hope that all the outcry of being against us playing there, when we come back with a victory and call on the nation to give a dollar each to the national team then everybody would do the same. But unfortunately that is the price, if people are not satisfied then I guess we have to pay more business to our country."
There are 20 twenty players on the team. They leave for Guatemala City next Friday.
