Libertad Fútbol Club will start the LigaPro Serie A championship “on the wrong foot”: it will have 4 points less than the rest. Sports journalists indicated that it was a hard blow, but it can be recovered.
Circumstances
In October of last year, LigaPro began an investigation, following a complaint filed by the president of Libertad FC, Marlon Granda; The reason: two players would have admitted to being immersed in sports betting in the national tournament.
With this background, after almost four months, the LigaPro Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the team, imposing a fine of USD 30 thousand (USD 25 thousand to the club and USD 5 thousand to Marlon Granda), reduction of 4 points, application from the beginning of the championship, as well as the suspension of a 2-year ban on carrying out activities related to professional football for a player.
In addition, corrective measures include that the leaders must carry out training for players, technicians and administrative staff on the integrity of the competition.
Libertad has 30 days to appeal the decision and the actions of the orange managers are unknown.
Situation
For sports journalist Vicente Prado, this measure is a strong blow for the group that represents Loja, because they will already be at the bottom of the standings. “The players will have to assimilate this news, continue with their arduous preparation and, in less than three games, turn this setback around,” he said.
He added that it will be difficult, because all the teams are strengthening, and he hopes that the president has hired reinforcements that will help him not only stay in Serie A, but also win an international tournament.
For their part, the Loja fans are worried about this situation. Claudio Cartuche mentioned that LigaPro should only sanction the players and not the club, which has worked for many years to be in the position it is in. “I hope it can be resolved and, with the appeal, the charges will be dropped,” he said. (YO)
Box
The tournament will start on Friday, March 1st.
Libertad FC will debut—as a visitor—against Mushuc Runa, on Sunday, March 3.
Given
The Loja athlete Jonny Uchuari joined the club; Likewise, Leandro Basan and José Hernández did so.