2 weeks ago, we told you about the decision from the Football Federation of Belize's Electoral Appeal Committee. It nullified the August 22nd election in which President Sergio Chuc and his administration were elected to office.
As we reported, Chuc won the presidency of the FFB by a wide margin, and several other incumbents were also re-elected. Shortly after that victory, several of his opponents lodged a formal appeal. They insisted that he and his administration violated the FFB Statutes and the Federations Electoral Code.
After reviewing those election processes, the Electoral Appeal Committee, which is chaired by attorney Jacqueline Willoughby, agreed with the appellants. The Committee ruled the election null and void.
Not surprisingly, President Chuc disagreed. One of his biggest complaints about the appeal decision was that it shouldn't have taken place in the first place.
According to Chuc, any complaint about the election ought to have gone first to one of the Federation's judicial committees. He was basically saying that what happened was like skipping the Supreme Court and going straight to the Court of Appeal.
And, after consideration, the FIFA, the world's governing body for the sport of Football, has formed a similar view as the President.
In a letter sent today, Veron Mosengo-Omba, FIFA's Chief Member Associations Officer refers to the FFB statutes, and the electoral code noting, quote, "'Disputes in FFB or disputes affecting Members of FFB, Leagues, members of Leagues, Clubs, members of Clubs, Players, and Officials may only be referred in the last instance… to an arbitration tribunal'.
In light of the above, FIFA considers that the Election Appeal Committee has no competence to take the above-mentioned decision, and therefore is not admitted by FIFA." End quote.
So, long story short? The election results stand - as declared by FIFA.
