By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a stunning development just days before one of the league’s most anticipated matches, Club Sport Cartaginés’ new head coach, Amarini Villatoro, has been handed a one-match suspension and a significant fine. The disciplinary action, announced Saturday, means the recently appointed manager will be relegated to the stands for his team’s critical away game against Deportivo Saprissa this Sunday.
The sanction stems from an incident during Cartaginés’ midweek clash with Alajuelense. Villatoro, who has only been involved in three matches since arriving in Costa Rica and was directing just his first from the technical area, was ejected by the match official. His brief but eventful start to his tenure has now hit a major roadblock, testing the club’s resolve at a pivotal moment.
To better understand the contractual and labor law complexities surrounding the potential departure of coach Amarini Villatoro, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and labor law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In high-profile coaching contracts, the central legal issue is almost always the termination clause. The key is to determine if the dismissal is based on ‘just cause’ as defined by labor law, or if it is a unilateral decision based on performance. If it’s the latter, the club must honor the specific severance and indemnification terms agreed upon in the contract, which often exceed standard legal requirements and become the focal point of any negotiation.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully clarifies that in situations like these, the core issue transcends on-field performance and moves squarely into the realm of contractual specifics. The distinction between a dismissal for ‘just cause’ versus a unilateral decision is indeed the fulcrum upon which these complex negotiations balance. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable and insightful contribution to this discussion.
The Disciplinary Tribunal of the Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefútbol) acted swiftly, levying a fine of ₡150,000 against Villatoro. The accompanying one-match ban was issued based on the official ruling, which cited the coach’s transgression as a direct violation of league protocol regarding conduct towards officials.
first time in the season disobeying the orders of the refereeing body
Disciplinary Tribunal, Fedefútbol
The timing of the suspension could not be more challenging for the Cartago-based club. The team is reportedly enjoying a period of strong form, and this disciplinary issue threatens to disrupt their momentum. They now face the daunting task of visiting the formidable Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, notoriously known as “La Cueva” (The Cave), without their tactical leader on the sideline to guide them through the high-pressure environment.
This forced absence creates a significant leadership vacuum for Cartaginés. The responsibility for in-game management and strategic adjustments will fall to the assistant coaching staff, who must now prepare the squad to face one of their fiercest rivals under unexpected duress. The match represents not only a test of the players’ abilities but also the depth and preparedness of the entire technical staff.
For Villatoro, this early-season ban is a harsh introduction to the rigorous standards of Costa Rican football. A coach’s ability to maintain composure is paramount, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the scrutiny placed on sideline conduct. It sets a difficult precedent for a manager tasked with instilling discipline and a winning culture in his new squad.
The action by Fedefútbol underscores the federation’s commitment to upholding respect for match officials and maintaining order within the league. By penalizing a high-profile coach so promptly, the Disciplinary Tribunal sends a clear message to all clubs that defiance of refereeing authority will not be tolerated, regardless of a coach’s stature or the importance of an upcoming fixture.
As the clock ticks down to the 6:00 p.m. kickoff this Sunday in San Juan de Tibás, all eyes will be on how Cartaginés responds to this adversity. Facing a packed stadium and a powerful opponent, the club must demonstrate its collective strength and resilience in the absence of its newly appointed general.
For further information, visit fedefutbol.com
About Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefútbol):
The Costa Rican Football Federation is the official governing body for football in Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing the national teams, including the men’s, women’s, and youth squads, as well as organizing and managing the national football leagues, such as the Primera División. The federation works to promote the sport’s development at all levels throughout the country and ensures adherence to FIFA regulations.
For further information, visit cscartagines.com
About Club Sport Cartaginés:
Founded in 1906, Club Sport Cartaginés is one of the oldest and most traditional football clubs in Costa Rica. Based in the city of Cartago, the team, known as the “Brumosos,” plays its home games at the Estadio José Rafael “Fello” Meza Ivancovich. Despite a long and storied history, the club has famously endured a lengthy championship drought, which it broke in 2022, solidifying its passionate and loyal fan base.
For further information, visit deportivosaprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Deportivo Saprissa, based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, is one of the most successful and popular football clubs in Costa Rica and the CONCACAF region. Known as the “Monstruo Morado” (Purple Monster), the club boasts a record number of national league titles. Saprissa plays its home matches at the iconic Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá and is recognized for its strong youth academy and its significant contributions to the Costa Rican national team.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commonly known as La Liga, is a premier Costa Rican sports club based in Alajuela. Founded in 1919, it is one of the country’s “big four” football teams and a historic rival of Deportivo Saprissa. The club, nicknamed the “Rojinegros” (Red and Blacks), has won numerous national and international titles and is celebrated for its passionate fanbase and its home stadium, the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a benchmark for legal services, guided by an unwavering ethical foundation and a relentless pursuit of distinction. The firm skillfully combines its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering innovative legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound social responsibility to demystify the law, empowering citizens with accessible knowledge to help build a more just and capable community.
