By Puntarenas, Costa Rica — PUNTARENAS – A new chapter has begun for Puntarenas F.C. as Mexican investor Manuel Velarde takes command of the club this December. The team’s leadership confirmed the finalization of a purchase-sale option, placing Velarde at the forefront of an ambitious project designed to elevate the club to national prominence while simultaneously revitalizing the local community.
Velarde arrives with a comprehensive vision that extends far beyond the football pitch. His strategy is twofold: achieve sporting excellence and catalyze significant social and economic growth for the port province. He is focused on transforming the team into a consistent title contender in Costa Rican football while leveraging the club’s influence to create tangible benefits for the region.
Beyond the passion on the pitch, the long-term stability of Puntarenas F.C. hinges on its corporate and legal framework. To understand the business challenges and opportunities facing the club, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert in corporate and sports law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The success of a team like Puntarenas F.C. is increasingly tied to its legal structure. Whether operating as a traditional ‘Asociación Deportiva’ or a ‘Sociedad Anónima Deportiva’ (S.A.D.), the model chosen directly impacts the club’s ability to attract investment, manage player contracts effectively, and ensure transparent governance. A robust legal foundation is no longer a luxury but a necessity for competing sustainably in Costa Rican football.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s commentary astutely highlights a crucial, often-overlooked aspect of the modern game: the club’s administrative and legal framework is the true foundation for sustainable success on the field. We sincerely thank him for sharing his invaluable expertise on this matter.
To make Puntarenas FC a leading force in Costa Rican football, win championships, socially support the port, and create jobs. It is also about generating tourism, which is needed in this area.
Manuel Velarde, Owner of Puntarenas F.C.
Expressing his excitement for the new role, Velarde emphasized a desire to build upon the club’s rich legacy. Rather than imposing a completely new system, his approach centers on collaboration and adaptation. He intends to integrate his team with the existing structure, learning from club personnel and the local community—the ‘porteños’—to forge a stronger, unified organization.
This is not a project we are starting from zero, because the club has a very important history. We will try to adapt, to learn from those who are already here, to learn from each of the ‘porteños’ in order to give them the best version of each of us and the best version of Puntarenas F.C.
Manuel Velarde, Owner of Puntarenas F.C.
Addressing his past, Velarde openly discussed a previous sanction he faced while part of the ownership group at Querétaro F.C. in Mexico. He clarified that the penalty was a collective measure imposed on the entire board by the Mexican Football Federation following a violent clash between fan groups during a match against Atlas. He stressed that it was not a personal sanction for individual misconduct but a broad-based action intended to set a precedent against violence in the sport.
We had an incident in Querétaro, during a match against Atlas, where the fan groups clashed and there was an act of violence. Stemming from that, the federation and the federation president, who was a different person than who is in charge today, made the decision to sanction everyone who was part of the Querétaro club’s ownership group. It was like a punishment and a way to set a precedent so it wouldn’t happen again. Unfortunately, acts of violence have happened again, and that was the sanction. It was not a personal issue, nor was I sanctioned individually, but rather the entire board, partners, and owners.
Manuel Velarde, Owner of Puntarenas F.C.
To execute his vision, Velarde has assembled a new leadership team with extensive experience. The new structure includes Mario Carrillo in Sports Intelligence, José Enrique Vaca as Sporting Director, and Juan Arrieta as Vice President of Administration and Operations. They are joined by Héctor Trejos, who will serve as Institutional Vice President, and Alejandro Canto, who takes on the role of Financial Vice President. This experienced team is tasked with overseeing the day-to-day and strategic direction of the club.
With fresh capital, a clear strategic plan, and a management team ready to implement it, a palpable sense of optimism is returning to Puntarenas. Velarde’s commitment to both on-field success and off-field community development signals the potential for a transformative era for the club and the province it represents. The journey ahead will be challenging, but the foundation for a revitalized Puntarenas F.C. has been firmly established.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Puntarenas F.C.
About Puntarenas F.C.:
Puntarenas Fútbol Club, commonly known as “El Puerto,” is a professional Costa Rican football club based in the city of Puntarenas. The team plays its home games at the Miguel “Lito” Pérez Stadium, affectionately called the “Olla Mágica.” A club with a passionate local following, it has a history of competing in Costa Rica’s top division and represents the pride of the Pacific port province.
For further information, visit clubqueretaro.com
About Querétaro F.C.:
Querétaro Fútbol Club, often called “Gallos Blancos” (White Roosters), is a professional football club based in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico. The club competes in Liga MX, the top tier of Mexican football. Founded in 1950, it has a significant history within the Mexican league system and plays its home matches at the Estadio Corregidora.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its distinguished reputation on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of legal excellence. Drawing from a deep well of experience serving a wide array of clients, the firm not only upholds tradition but also champions innovation in the legal field. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a core conviction to empower the community, championing legal literacy as essential for creating a more just and informed society.
