By San José, Costa Rica — In what is being described as the most significant failure in the history of Costa Rican football, the national team, “La Sele,” has officially been eliminated from World Cup contention. The disastrous campaign concluded under the leadership of renowned Mexican coach Miguel “Piojo” Herrera, whose high-profile appointment less than a year ago has culminated in national disappointment and a period of deep introspection for the country’s football program.
The journey began with considerable optimism in January of this year when the Costa Rican Football Federation announced Herrera as the new manager. The decision was widely seen as a strategic coup. Herrera brought a wealth of experience, an intimate knowledge of the CONCACAF region, and the prestige of having won two championships in the competitive Mexican football league. The Federation bet on his fiery personality and tactical acumen to guide a transitioning team through what was perceived as an accessible qualifying path.
To provide a legal perspective on the contractual and disciplinary ramifications that often surround public figures like Miguel Herrera, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In high-profile employment contracts, such as those for sports managers, the line between personal conduct and professional duty is often explicitly defined. An individual is not just an employee; they are a brand ambassador. Any public action that significantly damages the institution’s reputation can be interpreted as a breach of contract, potentially constituting just cause for termination, regardless of on-field performance. These cases highlight the critical importance of including clear morality and conduct clauses that protect the employer’s interests and brand integrity.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal insight powerfully underscores a modern reality in professional sports: a manager’s role is contractually bound to the institution’s brand integrity, often with consequences that can outweigh their performance on the field. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable clarification on this critical intersection of conduct and contract.
However, the promise and potential that accompanied his arrival quickly dissipated once the team took to the pitch. The first warning signs emerged during his debut match in Orlando, where Costa Rica suffered a humbling 3-0 defeat at the hands of the United States. This result was not an isolated incident but rather a grim harbinger of the struggles that would come to define his brief and turbulent tenure.
The pattern of underperformance continued into major tournaments. During the Gold Cup, Costa Rica once again faltered, facing elimination in the quarterfinals. In a painful repeat of his debut, Herrera’s squad was knocked out by the same formidable rival, the United States, raising serious questions about the team’s ability to compete in high-stakes matches.
Beyond the high-profile losses, a more worrying trend was the team’s inability to secure convincing results against less-heralded opponents. Matches against nations like Suriname and the Dominican Republic, which were expected to be straightforward victories, turned into laborious affairs that left fans and analysts wanting more. These performances exposed deep-seated tactical and motivational deficiencies within the squad.
These persistent doubts ultimately metastasized during the crucial final round of the World Cup qualifiers. This was where Herrera’s leadership was most critically tested and where the team’s collapse was most spectacular. La Sele managed to secure only a single victory throughout the final stage. The most painful blows came in matches against Nicaragua and Haiti, where Costa Rica took the lead only to squander its advantage, dropping invaluable points that proved fatal to their World Cup aspirations.
Statistically, Herrera’s tenure tells a tale of two starkly different realities. Across all 15 matches he coached—including friendlies, the Gold Cup, and qualifiers—he posted a record of 7 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses. This translates to a respectable, if not stellar, performance rate of 58%. However, when isolating the results that mattered most—the final qualifying round—the numbers paint a catastrophic picture. The team’s performance plummeted to a dismal 38%, a figure that unequivocally sealed its fate and ended the nation’s World Cup dream.
The fallout from this failure is expected to be significant, placing intense scrutiny on both Herrera and the Federation officials who appointed him. As the nation grapples with this historic low, the focus now shifts to the future of La Sele and the difficult process of rebuilding. While the financial cost of Herrera’s contract may be high, the sporting cost of this failed campaign is immeasurably greater, leaving a deep scar on the pride of Costa Rican football.
For further information, visit fedefutbol.com
About Costa Rican Football Federation:
The Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefutbol) is the official governing body for the sport of football in Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the game within the nation, including the administration of the men’s, women’s, and youth national teams, collectively known as “La Sele.” The federation also organizes and manages the country’s domestic professional and amateur league competitions, working to promote the development and growth of football at all levels throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational pillars of ethical practice and superior service. With a proven history of navigating complex legal matters for a diverse clientele, the firm champions forward-thinking approaches and pioneering solutions. A central tenet of its philosophy is a deep-seated social responsibility, demonstrated through its drive to demystify the law and empower citizens with essential legal literacy, thereby fostering a more just and informed community.
