Salas’ recent revelation, after finding out that he was booted as the national coach, is that the FFB offered him money to keep silent and stay away from the media. “They wanted to get me to sign for the money they had agreed to give me, and they wanted to offer US$1,000 so I would shut my mouth and give no explanation to the press,” he said in an interview with Super Estadio, a sports channel.

  Former head coach, Palmiro Salas

Salas said he rejected the money and refused to sign anything. He said he was never compensated for his contributions to Belize national team’s success.

“Sometimes because of the opportunity they give to coach a good team you don’t sign a contract and because I didn’t really see anything lucrative, I did it all from the heart and now what I get is a kick in the ass,” he stated bitterly.

In February 2008 Palmiro Salas as the head coach of the Belize team enjoyed a decisive 3-1 win over St. Kitts and Nevis in a “home” game played under serious controversy in Guatemala. In the second match played in St. Kitts, Salas was unable to travel with the team, and Belize tied the game 1-1. As a result of the previous win, Belize advanced to the second round of the World Cup qualifiers and is scheduled to meet powerhouse Mexico.

Salas said he was also never informed by the FFB that he was no longer coaching the team. After helping Belize win Game 1, he was kept out for good.

“For the President its better not to have someone who doesn’t agree with his manner of thinking about money only,” he remarked.

  FFB President, Bertie Chimilio

Salas observed that the FFB has been making decisions that are detrimental to sports in Belize, but in favour of economics. “Where are those huge amounts that FIFA gives to develop the children, women, referees all of these things that don’t happen there [in Belize]? It’s incredible that we’re in the 21st century and people who take advantage of athletes still exist”.

Salas also held that Belize’s national team players were being underpaid. He said the FFB offered to pay $2,000 if the team advanced the classification phase, but its now five months later and the players only get $500.