Deon McCaulay, Belize’s top football player who recently got the opportunity to play with the Silverbacks of Atlanta is facing major dilemma that can derail the advancement of his career. That is because the Belmopan Bandits has not given the green light for his release from the football club as required by the US. McCaulay confirmed to The San Pedro Sun that not only has the Bandits refused to release him, but it has to do with money that the Belmopan Bandits wants for his release.
The Belmopan Bandits, the current champions of the Belikin Premier Football League is owned by Honorable John Saldivar, the Belize Minister of National Security and the Area Representative for Belmopan. McCaulay’s contract with the Bandits extends until July of 2014 and in order for him to play with the Silverbacks, an International Transfer Clearance (ITC) from the Football Federation of Belize (FFB) is required.
On the Krem Radio morning show, President of FFB Ruperto Vicente said that the reason Bandits has refused to give the release is because the Belmopan based club wanted to negotiate directly with Silverbacks. When asked if the negotiation entails money, US$25,000.00 as has been alleged, Vicente said that he was unaware what it entails but said that such type of negotiations between two clubs are common in football. Vicente explained that McCaulay did not allow for proper negotiations between the two clubs prior to him leaving to Atlanta to join the Silverbacks.
The FFB President explained that Bandits are in their legal rights to withhold the release since there is a binding contract between the local football club and McCaulay. But according to McCaulay, prior to signing the contract, he indicated to the management of Bandits that should there be an opportunity to play internationally, he would expect a smooth release. “We demand some level of respect from these players,” explained Saldivar on the Krem Radio morning show in response to questioned regarding the developing issue. McCaulay said that Bandits was aware of his intentions for a long time.
According to Saldivar, his management of the team would only release McCauley if the Silverbacks management can negotiate with them. Saldivar would not say if the negotiation entails money.
The talented Belize player was recently named the MVP at the end of the last Belize football season. McCaulay has until Saturday to get his ITC from the FFB.
