FIFA and CONMEBOL Push Back: Binacional and Ayacucho FC Face Possible Relegation

Peru’s Liga 1 is facing potential upheaval as two clubs—Binacional and Ayacucho FC—find themselves at the center of a growing controversy. According to RPP, both FIFA and CONMEBOL have sent formal letters to the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) regarding the legality of the clubs' participation in the league, which was granted by a judicial ruling.

FPF president Agustín Lozano confirmed receipt of the letters and stated that their contents will be presented to the federation’s Board of Directors and General Assembly. “While I can’t reveal what the letters say, it’s clear that neither FIFA nor Conmebol tolerate external interference,” he said, referencing the core principle of football’s institutional autonomy.

If it is determined that ordinary courts influenced the league’s structure, both clubs could face immediate expulsion. “Our duty is to respect the independence of sporting bodies. The final decision will be made by the appropriate governing bodies,” Lozano added.

Liga 1 had already anticipated such a scenario with a 2025 rules update. Article 10.4 outlines the procedure if a club is removed due to the revocation of a court ruling or a disciplinary decision: all matches played in the current phase will be voided, no points or goals will be counted, and the club will be placed last in the overall standings.

Binacional and Ayacucho FC have been under scrutiny since securing league entry through legal channels. With FIFA and Conmebol now weighing in, their continued presence in Liga 1—and the competitive integrity of the season—hangs in the balance.