HISTORY - belmopanfc

Founding and Rise to Power (1986–2017)

The club was founded in 1986 as the Builders Hardware Bandits. After a period of inactivity, it returned to competition in 2011 and quickly rose to dominance in Belizean football. By 2017, the Bandits had captured seven of the last eleven national championships, including titles in the Premier League of Belize and its predecessor leagues. The club qualified for the 2014–15 CONCACAF Champions League, but was replaced by Costa Rica’s C.S. Herediano after the FFB Stadium was deemed unplayable. Had they competed, they would have been the first Belizean club in the tournament since 2008–09. That same season, the Bandits secured their fourth title in six years and their third consecutive championship.

By 2016, Amandala recognized the Bandits for their financial stability, lack of controversy, and strong core of national team players. The club further proved its quality in July 2017 by winning the Quadrangular Football Tournament in San Pedro Town, defeating top teams from Ambergris Caye.

Disputes and Short-Lived Rebranding (2021–2023)

In 2021, the Bandits withdrew from the FFB Top League in protest, citing the Football Federation of Belize’s refusal to recognize Clifford King as the legitimate president—a matter that reached the Supreme Court of Belize. In early 2023, the club announced a sponsorship with Mexico’s Internacional Futbol Club and rebranded as Bandits-Internacional FC. The partnership aimed to boost the club’s resources and open opportunities for Belizean players abroad.

The team debuted under its new name in February 2023 but reverted to its original identity by May after a disappointing campaign—the worst Closing Championship performance in club history.

International Presence and Continued Success (2017–2019)

Later in 2017, the Bandits made their international debut in the inaugural CONCACAF League, led by Honduran World Cup veteran Georgie Welcome. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 by C.D. Walter Ferretti of Nicaragua. In 2018, they returned to the tournament but again exited in the Round of 16, this time to F.C. Motagua of Honduras. By qualifying once more in 2019, they became the first Belizean club to qualify for the CONCACAF League three consecutive times.

New Ownership and Transition (2024–Present)

On 31 November 2024, the club was sold by John Saldivar to former FFB Vice President Cruz Gamez. It was rebranded as Belmopan FC, adopting a new green and yellow color scheme—the second major shift in club colors. Originally blue under the People’s United Party, the team had switched to red during Saldivar’s tenure to reflect his political alignment. Gamez vowed to restore the club’s legacy and pursued international partnerships, including talks with Alebrijes de Oaxaca of Mexico’s Liga de Expansión MX.

However, just half a season later, in June 2025, the club was sold again to an undisclosed buyer. A new crest was unveiled, but the green and yellow colors remained. As Belmopan FC enters a new era, it looks to rebuild under fresh leadership.

Club Rebirth

Originally established as Builders Hardware Bandits, the club returned from inactivity in 2011 and quickly became one of Belize’s most dominant teams.

2011

2011-17

National Dominance

The club won 7 out of 11 national titles during this period, establishing itself as a powerhouse in Belizean football.

International Recognition

Belmopan Bandits became the first Belizean club to qualify for the CONCACAF League three years in a row, making a mark on the regional stage.

2017-19

2021- 23

Turbulence and Temporary Rebranding

The club protested league governance in 2021 and briefly rebranded as Bandits-Internacional FC in 2023 through a sponsorship with a Mexican club—an agreement that ended after a poor season.

2024-25

Recent Ownership Changes and New Identity

In 2024, the club was rebranded as Belmopan FC under new ownership and adopted new colors. Just months later, it was sold again, marking a new chapter with fresh leadership and branding.