The league took swift action after a drug-dealing menu was posted in a group chat used by coaches to confirm match times.
A youth football coach has been handed a permanent ban after sharing a ‘cocaine menu’ in a group chat for coaches. The Fonacab Development League acted promptly against the coach who posted a list of prices for various quantities of cocaine, in a group chat used by coaches to arrange match times and team availability.
The message detailed where the coach would deliver drugs and warned that “time wasters will be blocked”. This action has been labelled as a “grave mistake”.
The league, catering for children aged eight and under, expressed its disgust at the message and immediately banned the coach from any involvement with it. A spokesperson for the league told Belfast Live the group chat included hundreds of coaches and as soon as they became aware of the “disgusting” message, they took immediate action to expel the coach.
They stated: “A coach from a club has posted that message that is going about, as a league that coach was removed straight away, the coach’s club were informed straight away along with the child protection officers. The coach is now not welcome at any of the Fonacab League venues and this is non-negotiable for us.”
The league also released a statement on social media saying: “As a League, we cannot monitor or control every message shared between coaches when organising fixtures or availability. However, we do have clear expectations of behaviour, and any conduct that breaches safeguarding or professionalism will be addressed immediately.
“Our responsibility is to protect the wellbeing of every child and uphold the values the League is built on. Thank you to the many coaches who consistently meet those expectations.”
