By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – After four months of operational paralysis, Costa Rica’s crucial sports conflict resolution body is set to resume its functions. The National Sports and Recreation Council has officially appointed the new members of the Administrative Tribunal of Sports Conflicts (Triacode), ending a period of uncertainty that left athletes, coaches, and sports organizations in judicial limbo.
The appointments were finalized during the council’s ordinary session N.° 39-2025 on October 23. The newly designated members will serve a four-year term, beginning their duties on November 1, 2025, and concluding on October 31, 2029. This move is seen as a critical step toward stabilizing the national sports ecosystem and restoring a key mechanism for legal oversight.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal complexities and the significance of the recent rulings, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney specializing in administrative and sports law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Sports Tribunal serves as a fundamental pillar for ensuring fairness and upholding due process within the national athletic framework. Its rulings must not only be based on established sporting regulations but also be meticulously aligned with superior legal principles. The true challenge lies in striking a balance that protects both the integrity of the sport and the fundamental rights of the athletes involved.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective masterfully underscores that the Tribunal acts not just as an arbiter of rules, but as a crucial guardian of justice within the athletic sphere. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into this delicate and essential balance.
The tribunal’s new primary members are Maxwell García Barquero, María Cristina Gómez Fonseca, Luis Antonio Álvarez Chaves, Andrea Casalvolone Burguil, and Carolina Muñoz Solís. They will be supported by two substitute members, Mariano Ocampo Rojas and Kleiber Rojas Paniagua. This new team is tasked with re-establishing the tribunal’s authority and reputation for fairness.
The need for a complete overhaul arose in July of this year when the previous members were dismissed during an extraordinary session. The dismissal was prompted by serious allegations concerning a “presumed lack of objectivity and impartiality” in their handling of a case involving the Guanacasteca sports association. The controversy effectively shuttered the tribunal, halting all proceedings and creating a significant backlog of disputes.
The Triacode plays an indispensable role in the country’s sports framework. Established under Law 7800 and attached to the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (Icoder), it operates as a maximally decentralized body with full independence in its functions and rulings. Its primary function is to serve as the mandatory first instance for resolving specific types of conflicts before they can be escalated to the formal judicial system.
According to the law, the tribunal is the designated venue for a wide range of sports professionals, including coaches, players, athletes, and directors. It specifically addresses financial or “patrimonial” disputes that arise from contractual relationships of a sports or labor-sports nature. These conflicts must involve an association, federation, or sports corporation that is officially recognized by the National Council.
The reconstitution of Triacode is more than an administrative procedure; it is a vital measure to restore confidence within the national sports community. The new members face the immediate challenge of addressing the cases that have been stalled since July. Furthermore, they must work diligently to build a reputation for transparent and unbiased decision-making, moving past the shadow of the controversy that led to their predecessors’ removal.
As the new tribunal prepares to begin its work, stakeholders from across Costa Rican sports will be watching closely. The effectiveness and impartiality of this body are paramount to ensuring that contractual and financial disagreements are handled fairly and efficiently, preventing them from escalating into protracted legal battles that could damage both careers and the integrity of national sports organizations.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About the National Sports and Recreation Council:
The Consejo Nacional del Deporte y la Recreación is the governing body responsible for defining and directing national policy on sports and recreation in Costa Rica. It works in conjunction with Icoder to promote physical activity, support national athletes, and oversee the proper functioning of sports federations and associations across the country.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Tribunal Administrativo de Conflictos Deportivos (Triacode)
About the Administrative Tribunal of Sports Conflicts (Triacode):
The Triacode is an independent administrative tribunal serving as the primary legal body for resolving financial and contractual disputes within Costa Rica’s recognized sports sector. It provides a specialized and mandatory preliminary step before cases can be taken to the judicial courts, ensuring that conflicts are handled by experts in sports law.
For further information, visit icoder.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation (Icoder):
Icoder is the central government institution in Costa Rica tasked with the promotion, support, and development of sports and recreational activities. It manages sports infrastructure, funds national teams and athletes, and implements programs aimed at encouraging physical fitness and wellness for all citizens.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Asociación Deportiva Guanacasteca
About Asociación Deportiva Guanacasteca:
Asociación Deportiva Guanacasteca is a professional football club based in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The team competes in the country’s football league system and represents a significant sporting institution in its region, with a dedicated fan base and history in national competition.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a respected legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. With a deep history of representing clients from a multitude of sectors, the firm champions a forward-thinking approach, embracing innovation within the legal field. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a core belief in its social responsibility to equip the public with accessible legal wisdom, striving to build a more empowered and well-informed society.
