A former Ba footballer is urging the club to refrain from judging players based on their religious beliefs and instead promote unity and respect within the team.
Leandro Ruiz, a Chilean national who joined Ba in July’s mid transfer window, has broken his silence, saying he was taken aback by comments allegedly made by the coach about his faith.
“After a training session, I was informed by a teammate that the coach (coaching director) had told him I am not a good person because of my religious beliefs, which differ from those of the team,” Ruiz said.
In an email correspondence obtained by Sportsone, Ruiz raised his concerns with a Ba football executive, stating that he has always respected his teammates’ beliefs and has never discussed religion within the team.
“I respect everyone’s faith 100%. I never spoke about such matters. What matters most to me is teamwork, discipline, and representing the club with integrity,” Ruiz wrote.
Ruiz said he later approached the coach personally to express his discomfort about being spoken about behind his back, as he felt “somewhat discriminated against.”
“I told him that if he has something to say to me in the future, I would prefer he address me directly,” he said.
During their conversation, the coach reportedly mentioned that some players, after noticing Ruiz’s back tattoo, had questioned why he was part of the club.
Sportsone has contacted Ba FA for comment but received no response.
Article 4 of the FIFA Statutes states that discrimination of any kind against a country, private person or group of people on account of race, ethnicity, national or social origin, gender, disability, religion, political opinion or wealth, birth or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited.
Ruiz said the experience has affected him both personally and professionally.
“I must be honest in saying that his words have affected me deeply, and that is the reason for this email to you,” he wrote in his correspondence to one of the club administrators.
He had expressed his willingness to discuss the matter further, emphasizing that his primary focus remains on professionalism and respect for all.
Ruiz parted ways with Ba a day before the Inter- District Championship (IDC).
