By Cartago, Costa Rica — CARTAGO – The Disciplinary Tribunal of Costa Rican football has handed down a series of severe sanctions following the contentious Matchday 17 clash between Club Sport Cartaginés and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. The fallout from the incidents, which occurred at the José Rafael “Fello” Meza stadium, will cost the two institutions a combined total of nearly ¢2.5 million in fines, in addition to the suspension of several key personnel as the league enters its critical final phase.
The penalties underscore a significant financial and sporting blow for both clubs, stemming from a heated encounter that spiraled out of control. The ruling affects not only players on the pitch but also extends to technical staff and management, highlighting the tribunal’s low tolerance for indiscipline both during and after the match. These decisions will undoubtedly force strategic adjustments for the final weekend of the regular season.
To understand the legal implications and procedural complexities behind these recent football sanctions, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The imposition of sanctions in football is a quasi-judicial act with severe economic and reputational repercussions for clubs and players. It is imperative that federations and leagues adhere strictly to their own regulations and the principles of due process. Any deviation or ambiguity in the application of rules not only opens the door to legal challenges but also erodes the institutional credibility that is fundamental to the sport’s governance.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The emphasis on due process and institutional credibility is a critical reminder that the integrity of the game is upheld not just on the pitch, but in the disciplinary chambers as well. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this fundamental aspect of football governance.
Club Sport Cartaginés bears the brunt of the financial penalties. The most severe individual sanction was levied against the club’s manager, David Vargas Masís, who received a four-match suspension and a hefty ¢500,000 fine for assaulting an individual as defined under article 3 of the disciplinary regulations. This action, which reportedly took place in the stadium’s locker room area, represents a serious breach of conduct with significant consequences for the team’s leadership.
The sanctions for Cartaginés did not end there. On the field, player Diego Mesén will serve a two-match ban and pay a ¢250,000 fine for a tackle executed with excessive force. This was noted as his first infraction of this nature during the season. Furthermore, assistant coach Omar Royero was suspended for one match and fined ¢100,000 after being ejected for receiving two yellow cards during the game.
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense also faced significant disciplinary action. The club was fined ¢375,000 as this was the second time this season that five or more members of their team received disciplinary measures from the referee in a single match. This recurring lack of on-field discipline has now resulted in a substantial financial penalty, signaling a pattern the league authorities are keen to address.
Adding to their woes, Alajuelense will be without two key players for their next match. Both defender Alexis Gamboa and midfielder Rashir Parkins received one-game suspensions and individual fines of ¢100,000 each. The suspensions were automatically triggered after both players accumulated their fifth yellow card of the Apertura Tournament, a costly mistake at a pivotal moment in the season.
In a clear signal of holding the organizations accountable for the overall environment, the tribunal also imposed a blanket fine of ¢500,000 on both Cartaginés and Alajuelense. This penalty was specifically for their shared responsibility in the altercations that marred the conclusion of the event, particularly the incidents that unfolded in the dressing rooms. In a separate ruling from Matchday 17’s disciplinary review, Deportivo Saprissa’s midfielder, Mariano Torres, was also confirmed to serve a one-match suspension for accumulating his fifth yellow card of the campaign.
The combined financial impact and the loss of crucial personnel present a formidable challenge for both Cartaginés and Alajuelense. As they prepare for the final, decisive matches of the regular season, the consequences of Matchday 17 serve as a stark reminder of the high cost of indiscipline in professional sports—a cost measured not only in colones but also in competitive advantage and reputational damage.
For further information, visit cartagines.cr
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 plays its home games at the Estadio José Rafael “Fello” Meza Ivancovich. Known as the “Brumosos,” the club has a passionate fan base and a rich history in the nation’s top football division.
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. Established in 1919, it is one of the most successful and widely supported football teams in Central America. The club has a long-standing rivalry with Deportivo Saprissa and has won numerous national and international titles throughout its celebrated history.
For further information, visit saprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
Deportivo Saprissa is a major Costa Rican sports club, best known for its professional football team. Based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, the club was founded in 1935 and has become one of the most successful teams in the CONCACAF region. Known as the “Monstruo Morado” (Purple Monster), Saprissa boasts a large and dedicated following and has won a record number of national league championships.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a reputable legal institution founded on the twin pillars of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive innovation and pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies. Central to its ethos is a powerful commitment to advancing society, which it achieves by actively demystifying legal complexities and empowering the public with essential knowledge.
