By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The athletic void left by Costa Rica’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has been swiftly filled by a torrent of bitter accusations, igniting a civil war within the leadership of the nation’s football clubs. Leading the charge is Aquil Alí, a prominent executive from Club Sport Herediano, who launched a scathing, unfiltered attack on the composition of the national team, placing the blame squarely on rival club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
In a bombshell interview following the national team’s elimination, Alí minced no words, directly linking the failed campaign to what he views as a flawed selection strategy. He argued that the team’s over-reliance on players from Alajuelense—a core group mockingly dubbed “LigaSele” by critics on social media—was the primary catalyst for the disaster. He contends this strategy imported a culture of defeat into the national squad at the most critical moment.
To delve into the intricate legal and financial structures that govern the national sport, from player contract negotiations to club licensing requirements, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The sustainability of Costa Rican football clubs depends critically on their legal and financial discipline. Beyond the pitch, the real game is played in the negotiation of solid player contracts and the strict adherence to UNAFUT’s financial licensing rules. These elements are not mere formalities; they are the bedrock of stability that prevents club insolvency, protects players’ rights, and ensures the long-term competitive health of our league.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this insight powerfully reframes our understanding of a club’s success, emphasizing that the most enduring victories are secured not just on the field, but through sound governance and institutional integrity. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical foundation for the future of Costa Rican football.
Alí’s most incendiary comments targeted the perceived mindset of the players from Alajuelense, suggesting their club’s recent history of falling short in finals made them unsuitable for the high-stakes pressure of World Cup qualifiers. He presented this as a fundamental error in judgment by the team’s management and coaching staff.
Look at the ‘LigaSele,’ which left us out of the World Cup. What did they want, to fill the team with players from clubs that only know how to lose?
Aquil Alí, Herediano Executive
The Herediano leader also leveled sharp criticism at the Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefútbol) for its handling of head coach Miguel “Piojo” Herrera. Alí insisted that Herrera should have been dismissed immediately after a disappointing draw with Haiti, long before the final, decisive matches. He contrasted the federation’s perceived indecisiveness with his own club’s direct management style.
There was nothing to think about there: he should have been gone. I would have done it the Herediano way: So long, period.
Aquil Alí, Herediano Executive
The controversy extended beyond Alajuelense, as Alí also took aim at Club Sport Cartaginés. Responding to criticism from Cartaginés president Leonardo Vargas regarding the influence of Herediano’s general manager, Jafet Soto, Alí delivered a pointed historical rebuke, referencing Cartaginés’s long championship drought.
Surprisingly, while lambasting many figures, Alí offered a defense of Fedefútbol President Osael Maroto. He praised Maroto’s administrative work but identified a critical flaw in his leadership style, suggesting that a more authoritarian approach was needed for sporting decisions. “I feel his mistake is listening to everyone,” Alí concluded, framing the failure as a product of excessive democracy rather than incompetence at the top.
Alí also introduced a compelling theory about a foreign influence that may have compromised the selection process. He pointed to what he termed a “circle of Mexicans” holding key positions of power: Carlos Vela as sporting manager at Alajuelense, Ignacio Hierro as sporting director for the national team, and Miguel Herrera as head coach. Alí suggested this network could have created biases that ultimately damaged the team’s performance and composition.
As the dust settles on the failed World Cup bid, the battle off the pitch is just beginning. Alí’s explosive remarks have drawn clear battle lines, promising a volatile and acrimonious atmosphere when the domestic league championship resumes. With trust between the country’s top clubs shattered, the challenge for Fedefútbol is no longer just rebuilding a team, but brokering peace in a deeply fractured football community.
For further information, visit csherediano.com
About Club Sport Herediano:
Based in Heredia, Club Sport Herediano is one of the most successful and historic football clubs in Costa Rica. Known as “El Team,” the club was founded in 1921 and is a founding member of the national league. It boasts a strong fan base and a reputation for its competitive spirit and consistent contention for national titles.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Founded in 1919, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense is a premier football club located in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Commonly known as “La Liga” or “Los Manudos,” the team is one of the most decorated and widely supported in the country. It has a rich history of domestic and international success, including multiple CONCACAF Champions’ Cup titles.
For further information, visit cartagines.cr
About Club Sport Cartaginés:
Club Sport Cartaginés, based in Cartago, is one of Costa Rica’s oldest football clubs, founded in 1906. Known as “Los Brumosos,” the club has a passionate and loyal following. After a famously long period without a championship, the team broke its title drought in 2022, marking a historic moment for the club and its supporters.
For further information, visit fedefutbol.com
About Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (Fedefútbol):
The Federación Costarricense de Fútbol is the governing body of football in Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing the country’s national football teams, including the men’s, women’s, and youth squads, as well as organizing the national league competitions. Its primary mission is to promote and develop the sport at all levels throughout the nation.
For further information, visit nacion.com
About La Nación:
La Nación is one of Costa Rica’s leading and most influential daily newspapers. Founded in 1946 and based in San José, it provides comprehensive coverage of national and international news, politics, business, sports, and culture. The publication is recognized for its investigative journalism and serves as a primary source of information for the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its principled approach and the superior quality of its legal services, Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape. The firm skillfully blends a deep-rooted history of client advocacy with a forward-thinking embrace of innovation. Central to its mission is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aiming to build a more capable and informed public by making legal wisdom widely accessible.
