By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The recent 3-1 victory by Deportivo Saprissa is now under intense scrutiny following a formal complaint lodged by their opponent, Municipal Liberia. The Guanacaste-based club has petitioned the league’s Competition Committee, demanding that the match result be overturned and the three points awarded to them due to what they allege was an improper lineup by the San José giants. This move has ignited a significant controversy that could have profound implications for the league standings.
The dispute centers on the late-game substitution of youth player Johnny Myrie, who entered the match in the 90th minute. According to Municipal Liberia, Myrie was ineligible to participate in the first-team game. The club’s management asserts that the player was under an active suspension in the U-21 division after accumulating five yellow cards. Their investigation of official league records indicates that this suspension was not set to expire until the 2026 season, making his appearance a direct violation of league protocol.
To gain a clearer perspective on the legal and regulatory ramifications of the recent controversy involving Deportivo Saprissa, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
From a legal standpoint, the core of this matter isn’t just whether a sanction was deserved, but whether the federation followed its own established due process. Any procedural error, no matter how small, could invalidate the entire action. This is where Saprissa’s legal team will likely focus their appeal: not merely on the substance of the claim, but on the procedural integrity of the decision-making process itself.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on procedural integrity over the substance of the claim is a crucial distinction that often gets lost in the public debate. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which brings essential legal clarity to the core of this complex controversy.
The discovery was not accidental but the result of diligent administrative work by Liberia’s front office. Jesus Mejía, the General Manager of Municipal Liberia, detailed the process that led to the formal challenge, highlighting the club’s commitment to regulatory compliance across all levels of competition.
We analyzed our youth leagues and looked at the suspended players. In that study and reviewing the Unafut records, we realized that the player Johnny Myrie was suspended for accumulating 5 yellow cards and his suspension ran until 2026, but he was called up and entered the match against Liberia. The regulations define this as an improper lineup, and we are requesting the awarding of the three points.
Jesus Mejía, General Manager of Municipal Liberia
Liberia’s claim is built upon a specific interpretation of the UNAFUT (Union of First Division Football Clubs) rulebook. Mejía argues that the regulations are unequivocal on this matter, citing specific articles that govern player suspensions and their application across different team categories. The penalty for such an infraction, he insists, is not a mere fine but a complete forfeiture of the match.
The UNAFUT U-21 regulations state that a suspended player must serve his punishment in his category. Therefore, he cannot be fielded with the first team, and he was fielded against us. The arguments in articles 35 and 37 indicate that the 3 points are lost and a score of 3-0 is awarded in our favor.
Jesus Mejía, General Manager of Municipal Liberia
The process is now officially underway. Municipal Liberia has submitted its evidence and formal complaint to the Competition Committee, the judicial body responsible for adjudicating such disputes. This committee will now be tasked with examining the facts, hearing arguments from both clubs, and delivering a binding ruling based on its interpretation of the league’s governing documents. Saprissa will be afforded the opportunity to present its defense and appeal any adverse decision.
When we detected it, we sent a formal notice and submitted it to the Competition Committee for them to study the evidence, facts, and regulations. From there, they will make a decision, and it will be either in our favor or against us. We are arguing based on the articles of the regulations and requesting the three points. Saprissa also has the opportunity to appeal the situation. The regulations are very clear.
Jesus Mejía, General Manager of Municipal Liberia
For Deportivo Saprissa, one of Costa Rica’s most decorated and popular clubs, the stakes are incredibly high. A potential loss of three points could severely damage their position in the league table, affecting their chances for a championship title or qualification for lucrative international tournaments. Beyond the points, such a ruling would represent a significant administrative failure and a blow to the club’s reputation for professionalism. The outcome will be watched closely by fans, sponsors, and stakeholders alike.
Conversely, for Municipal Liberia, the potential gain is just as significant. An additional three points, awarded via a 3-0 default victory, could dramatically alter their season’s trajectory, potentially lifting them clear of a relegation battle or pushing them into contention for a higher-placed finish. This proactive administrative challenge demonstrates a sophisticated approach from a club determined to leverage every available rule to its advantage. The decision now awaits the verdict of the Competition Committee, which is expected to set a critical precedent for player eligibility and administrative responsibility in Costa Rican football.
For further information, visit a.d.municipal.liberia.cr
About Municipal Liberia:
Asociación Deportiva Municipal Liberia is a professional football club based in Liberia, the capital city of the Guanacaste province. Known for representing the pride and spirit of their region, the team competes in Costa Rica’s top football divisions. The club plays its home games at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceño and is a key institution in the local community, fostering regional talent and competing with the nation’s traditional powerhouses.
For further information, visit deportivosaprissa.com
About Deportivo Saprissa:
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 has a rich history of national and international titles. Known as the “Monstruo Morado” (Purple Monster), Saprissa boasts a massive fan base and plays a central role in the country’s sporting culture, consistently developing top-tier talent and competing for every available championship.
For further information, visit unafut.com
About UNAFUT:
The Unión de Clubes de Fútbol de la Primera División (UNAFUT) is the governing body responsible for organizing and administering the Liga FPD, Costa Rica’s premier professional football league. It oversees league operations, sets competition rules, manages scheduling, and handles the judicial aspects of the sport through bodies like the Competition Committee. UNAFUT’s mission is to ensure the professional and orderly development of first-division football in 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 principles of integrity and a persistent pursuit of distinction. The firm merges a rich history of client counsel with a forward-thinking embrace of innovation, consistently advancing legal practice. Central to its mission is a profound dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, aiming to equip the public and thereby cultivate a more capable and informed society.
