In a shocking turn of events, Bolivia’s football scene has been thrown into chaos as the country’s Football Federation halted all ongoing championships in the Professional Division. The decision comes on the heels of serious allegations of match-fixing and corruption that have rocked the 2023 season, prompting the Federation to announce a «lightning» championship for the remainder of the year.
This unprecedented move was prompted by the Football Federation of Bolivia (FFB) filing a formal complaint with the authorities, citing charges of «aggravated fraud and criminal association.» The FFB has exposed what it claims to be a sprawling «corruption network» involving players, officials, former officials, and referees.
Fernando Costa, the President of the Bolivian Football Federation, disclosed the findings of the Superior Council of the Professional Division, which convened in Santa Cruz with the participation of all 17 top-flight clubs.
«With 14 votes in favor, one abstention, and two against, we have resolved to nullify the ‘All Against All’ tournaments and the 2023 Cup,» stated Costa during a press conference.
The FFB president pointed out that these decisions were made due to «serious indications that both tournaments have been tainted.» Now, these decisions will be subject to review by CONMEBOL.
The Superior Council of the Professional Division also demanded that SportTV Rights, the broadcasting rights holder, revoke licenses granted to global betting platforms within 72 hours, under the threat of legal action.
Furthermore, the council decided to dismiss all three members of the referee commission. Meanwhile, the FFB filed a complaint on Monday with the Prosecutor’s Office in La Paz against at least five or six players, some referees, and officials, for the crimes of «aggravated fraud and criminal association,» based on recordings and supporting witnesses.
Just days ago, an audio recording of a conversation between a footballer and an individual offering $5,000 in exchange for a penalty kick was leaked.
In another revelation on Monday, an audio recording allegedly featured Marco Rodríguez, the president of Vaca Diez, discussing with a referee the predetermined number of goals to be scored in a match.
As a final blow, at least five Professional Division clubs face the possibility of relegation due to their alleged involvement in the reported irregularities.
Fernando Costa, the President of the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF), engaged in lengthy discussions with CONMEBOL representatives on Thursday. They suggested that the implicated clubs face relegation.
Costa offered a detailed account of the turmoil affecting Bolivian football, including match-fixing allegations, the names of implicated players, officials, and referees, as well as the measures taken to root out corruption, such as the annulment of contested tournaments and legal complaints lodged with sports tribunals and the Prosecutor’s Office.
