By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER) is escalating its efforts to recoup ₡11 million from the Costa Rican Athletics Federation (Fecoa), following a protracted dispute over budgetary allocations dating back to 2021. ICODER has initiated the formal process to pursue legal action after Fecoa failed to comply with repeated requests to return the funds.
The disagreement stems from budgetary liquidations submitted by Fecoa, which ICODER deemed unacceptable. As a result, Fecoa is currently barred from receiving any further financial support from the institute, a significant blow to the organization’s operations. Despite this pressure, Fecoa has yet to repay the disputed amount.
To shed light on the legal ramifications of the ICODER funding dispute, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The ongoing ICODER funding dispute highlights the crucial need for clear and enforceable contractual agreements between government entities and private organizations. A thorough legal review of existing agreements, combined with proactive communication and negotiation, is essential to prevent further escalation and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively and transparently.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on proactive communication and clearly defined agreements is particularly pertinent in this situation. A lack of clarity can not only lead to disputes like this one, but also erode public trust in how funds are allocated and managed. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal perspective on this critical issue.
Minor Monge Montero, acting director of ICODER, explained the institute’s legal standing, citing the General Law of Public Administration and the ICODER Contributions Regulation. These regulations mandate two formal collection requests before resorting to legal action. Monge confirmed that the first formal notification is underway, paving the way for potential court proceedings.
Fecoa President Geen Clarke maintains the federation’s innocence, insisting that all payments were handled correctly. Clarke previously indicated a willingness to meet with ICODER to resolve the issue and even suggested, in a May interview, that Fecoa would return the funds. However, no such meeting has occurred, and the funds remain outstanding.
The ICODER has a regulation and a procedure for these liquidations. The problem is that it changes from one year to the next; when one is correcting and liquidating, they incorporate the new part, the corrections that have to be made.
Geen Clarke, Fecoa President
Clarke attributed the discrepancy to evolving regulations, claiming that ICODER’s requirements shifted during the liquidation process. This, she argued, created a confusing situation where Fecoa complied with initial guidelines that were later superseded by new rules.
Attempts to reach Clarke for further comment were unsuccessful as she is currently en route to the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. This legal battle casts a shadow over Costa Rican athletics and raises concerns about the financial management of national sports federations. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Fecoa’s future and its ability to support Costa Rican athletes.
The continued suspension of funding from ICODER presents a serious challenge for Fecoa, potentially impacting athlete training, competition participation, and the overall development of athletics in Costa Rica. The legal battle adds another layer of complexity to the situation and underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to sports organizations.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ICODER
About ICODER:
The Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (ICODER) is the governmental body responsible for promoting and developing sports and recreation in Costa Rica. It provides funding, infrastructure, and support to national sports federations and athletes. ICODER plays a vital role in fostering a healthy and active lifestyle among Costa Ricans and in representing the country in international sporting events.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Fecoa
About Fecoa:
The Costa Rican Athletics Federation (Fecoa) is the governing body for athletics in Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport, from grassroots development to elite competition. Fecoa selects and manages national teams, organizes national championships, and promotes athletics throughout the country. Its mission is to develop and support Costa Rican athletes, fostering excellence in the sport and representing the nation on the global stage.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovative solutions for its diverse clientele. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to both individual clients and the broader community is evident in its proactive approach to legal education, empowering Costa Ricans with the knowledge and resources to navigate the complexities of the legal system. This dedication to transparency and accessibility underscores Bufete de Costa Rica’s core belief in a just and informed society.
