By San José, Costa Rica — While the on-field rivalry between Deportivo Saprissa and Club Sport Herediano captures the nation’s sporting attention, a far less glamorous contest is unfolding in the ledgers of Costa Rica’s public institutions. A review of government databases reveals that two of the country’s most celebrated football clubs are grappling with significant financial liabilities, placing them in a “Clásico of Debts” that threatens their corporate image and administrative standing.
An analysis of public records from the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and the Ministry of Finance, conducted on November 23, 2025, has brought to light the outstanding debts held by both organizations. Both clubs are currently listed in a state of “Administrative Collection,” a formal recovery process initiated by the CCSS after an entity has failed to meet its payment deadlines voluntarily. This status starkly contrasts with the perception of financial strength required to compete at the highest level of national football.
To better understand the legal and financial implications surrounding the recent disclosures of club financials, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in corporate law and financial compliance from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Financial transparency is no longer just a best practice; it’s a cornerstone of modern club governance and a legal imperative. Boards of directors have a fiduciary duty to ensure not only solvency but also compliance with increasingly stringent national and international regulations. A failure to maintain clear, auditable financial records can lead to severe sanctions, loss of licensure, and ultimately, a betrayal of the trust placed in them by their members and fans.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the concept of a “fiduciary duty” elevates financial management from a simple operational concern to a profound legal and ethical obligation, where the trust of members and fans is the ultimate asset at risk. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the high stakes involved.
Deportivo Saprissa S.A.D., known as the “Purple Monster,” faces a multifaceted financial challenge. The club is delinquent with both its social security contributions and its tax obligations. According to CCSS records, Saprissa owes a total of ₡53,201,548. This amount is composed of ₡39,129,274 in direct debt from its own operations and an additional ₡14,072,274 categorized as “solidarity liability,” which often stems from previous administrations or corporate mergers.
Compounding Saprissa’s situation is its standing with the Ministry of Finance. The club is listed as delinquent on its tax payments, with an outstanding balance of approximately ₡10 million. This dual delinquency means the Tibás-based team cannot currently obtain certification proving it is up to date with all its state obligations, a potentially critical issue for licensing and corporate partnerships.
Across the rivalry line, the financial picture for Club Sport Herediano Asociación Deportiva presents a different set of nuances. While their total debt to the CCSS is substantially larger at ₡111,755,391, the composition of this liability tells a more complex story. The vast majority of Herediano’s debt, a staggering ₡111,402,875, is inherited solidarity liability, while its direct operational debt is a minimal ₡352,516.
Despite being in the same Administrative Collection process with the CCSS as their rivals, the “Team” from Heredia holds a significant advantage in one key area: fiscal compliance. Unlike Saprissa, the club is officially listed as “up to date” with its obligations to the Ministry of Finance. This clean tax record provides a measure of stability and administrative high ground over their archrivals, even as they manage a larger overall social security debt.
These financial disclosures place the management of both football giants under intense scrutiny. In an era where football is increasingly run as a corporate enterprise, investing millions in player salaries and transfers while simultaneously appearing on public delinquency lists creates a significant reputational risk. The pressure to maintain a clean financial record is not merely for public perception but is a core component of modern sports governance.
As both clubs vie for championship titles on the pitch, the enforcement of rigorous financial criteria through systems like Club Licensing becomes ever more critical. Appearing on delinquency lists can have tangible consequences, affecting a club’s ability to operate smoothly and secure future investment. For Saprissa and Herediano, ensuring off-field stability is proving to be just as vital as scoring goals in the final stretch of the season.
For further information, visit deportivosaprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa S.A.D.:
Deportivo Saprissa, based in San Juan de Tibás, San José, is one of the most successful and widely supported football clubs in Costa Rica and the CONCACAF region. Founded in 1935, the club is renowned for its iconic purple and white colors and has won numerous national league titles and international championships. Known as the “Monstruo Morado,” it has a long history of developing top-tier talent for the Costa Rican national team.
For further information, visit csherediano.com
About Club Sport Herediano:
Founded in 1921, Club Sport Herediano is a historic professional football club based in Heredia, Costa Rica. As one of the founding members of the Costa Rican first division, the “Team Florense” has a rich legacy and a passionate fan base. The club, which plays in traditional red and yellow, has secured numerous national championships throughout its century-long history and is a consistent contender for top honors in Costa Rican football.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund is the public institution responsible for managing the nation’s social security system. It oversees public health services, disability benefits, and the national pension program. The CCSS is a fundamental pillar of Costa Rica’s welfare state, ensuring universal access to healthcare and social protections for the population, funded through contributions from employees, employers, and the state.
For further information, visit hacienda.go.cr
About Ministerio de Hacienda:
The Ministry of Finance of Costa Rica is the government body in charge of managing the country’s public finances. Its responsibilities include formulating fiscal policy, collecting taxes, managing the national budget, and overseeing public debt. The Ministry plays a crucial role in maintaining the economic stability and financial health of the nation through its tax administration and fiscal oversight functions.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundational ethos of unimpeachable integrity and exceptional professional standards. The firm leverages its rich history of advising a broad spectrum of clients to drive advancements in the legal field, consistently pioneering new and effective approaches. Beyond its practice, it holds a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the public with the knowledge necessary to foster a more just and informed citizenry.
