Belfast Youth Coach Banned for Cocaine Message in Chat

A youth football coach in Belfast has been permanently banned from the Fonacab Development League after sharing a message detailing prices and delivery points for cocaine in a group chat used by fellow coaches. The incident, which involved a list of quantities, payment instructions, and a warning that "time wasters will be blocked," prompted swift action from both the league and the coach's club to uphold child safeguarding standards.

The message was posted in a WhatsApp group that included hundreds of coaches from various children's teams, primarily for coordinating match schedules and team availability. No children participated in the conversation, but the league, which serves players aged eight and under, described the content as "disgusting" and a "grave mistake." Officials became aware of the post shortly after it circulated and removed it, leading to the coach's immediate expulsion.

The coach's club confirmed his permanent removal with immediate effect in a public statement on social media. "We can confirm that all appropriate vetting procedures were followed in accordance with IFA guidelines, and this situation has come as a shock to all of us," the club said. "As a...