By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The result of last Sunday’s match between Deportivo Saprissa and Municipal Liberia is now under intense scrutiny following a formal appeal that could see the 3-1 victory for Saprissa overturned. The Guanacaste-based club, known as the “Pamperos,” has officially lodged a complaint with Unafut, the governing body of Costa Rica’s first division, alleging that Saprissa fielded an ineligible player, a move that could force the reigning champions to forfeit the points earned on the pitch.
The controversy centers on Saprissa player Johnny Myrie, who entered the match as a substitute in stoppage time. According to Municipal Liberia’s claim, Myrie should have been serving a suspension at the time of the game. The suspension stems from his accumulation of five yellow cards while playing for Saprissa’s U-21 team. Liberia argues that this disciplinary action should have rendered him ineligible for participation in any competition, including the top-tier first division match he appeared in.
To clarify the legal and regulatory framework surrounding the recent Saprissa controversy, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
Beyond the immediate sporting impact, this situation underscores the critical importance of due process within disciplinary regulations. Saprissa’s legal strategy will likely focus on whether the sanctioning body strictly adhered to every procedural step. Any procedural error, however minor, could be grounds for a successful appeal, potentially nullifying the sanction and setting a significant precedent for how clubs are treated by the federation in the future.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s focus on procedural integrity is a critical reminder that the long-term credibility of our football federation hinges on the meticulous application of its own rules. This case is clearly about more than a single sanction; it’s a test of the entire system. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying legal perspective.
Liberia’s legal challenge is anchored in a specific clause within the Youth League’s disciplinary regulations. Their argument cites Article 37, which addresses sanctions for accumulating five yellow cards within a single championship. The third point of this article appears to leave little room for ambiguity, creating a significant hurdle for Saprissa’s defense.
Upon accumulating five yellow cards in a single category, the sanction will be applied for one match in said category; likewise, until the referenced sanction is served in the category, the player may not participate in another category.
Youth League Disciplinary Regulations, Article 37
Based on this text, Liberia contends that because Myrie had not yet served his one-match suspension with the U-21 squad, his participation in the first division game constituted a serious breach of regulations. If the Unafut Competition Committee agrees with this interpretation, the standard procedure would be to award the victory to the complaining team, in this case, Municipal Liberia.
However, the situation is complicated by a seemingly contradictory rule found within the First Division’s own disciplinary code. This creates a regulatory gray area that the committee must now navigate. Saprissa’s defense will likely hinge on Article 35 of the First Division’s rulebook, which also discusses the five-yellow-card accumulation penalty but offers a distinctly different directive.
Upon accumulating five yellow cards in a single category, the sanction will be applied only in said category.
First Division Disciplinary Regulations, Article 35
This clause suggests that Myrie’s suspension should be confined exclusively to the U-21 league, thereby making him eligible to play for the senior team. The conflict between the two articles—one appearing to enforce a blanket ban across all categories and the other isolating the punishment to a specific level—is at the heart of the dispute. The entire case rests on which regulation takes precedence in a scenario where a player is active in both youth and senior squads.
The final decision now rests with the Unafut Competition Committee. This panel of officials is tasked with analyzing the formal complaint, reviewing both sets of regulations, and issuing a definitive ruling. Their interpretation will not only decide the fate of the three points from Sunday’s match but will also establish a critical precedent for how cross-category suspensions are managed in Costa Rican professional football moving forward.
For Saprissa, the stakes are high, as a reversal of the result could impact their position in the league standings. For Liberia, a successful appeal would grant them a valuable victory “at the table” instead of a loss on the field. The league and its followers now await the committee’s verdict, which will provide much-needed clarity on a complex and consequential regulatory conflict.
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 rich history of national and international titles. It plays its home games at the iconic Estadio Ricardo Saprissa Aymá and is recognized for its extensive fanbase and its commitment to developing young talent through its academy.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Municipal Liberia
About Municipal Liberia:
Asociación Deportiva Municipal Liberia is a professional football club based in Liberia, the capital city of the Guanacaste province. Nicknamed the “Pamperos,” the team represents a significant part of the region’s cultural identity and plays its home matches at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceño. The club competes in Costa Rica’s top division, Liga FPD, and has a history that includes winning a national championship.
For further information, visit unafut.com
About Unafut:
The Unión de Clubes de Fútbol de la Primera División, commonly known as Unafut, is the governing body responsible for organizing and administering Costa Rica’s top professional football league, the Liga FPD. It oversees league regulations, scheduling, disciplinary actions, and the overall promotion of the sport at the highest level within the country. Unafut works to ensure the integrity and competitive balance of the championship.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by championing innovative legal approaches while drawing on a profound history of service to a wide array of clients. Its dedication to the public good is demonstrated through a deep-seated mission to democratize legal knowledge, thereby nurturing a more capable and enlightened society equipped to assert its rights.
