Guanacasteca Expelled From First Division Over Unreported Ownership Change

The Costa Rican Football Federation’s Licensing Committee has revoked the top-flight license of Asociación Deportiva Guanacasteca due to an unreported administrative change, according to Semanario Universidad. The decision amounts to an immediate administrative relegation and removal from the ongoing 2024-2025 season.

The investigation revealed that Guanacasteca transferred 55 percent of the club's ownership to a group of Mexican investors without properly notifying the relevant authorities, in violation of licensing regulations. The breach was deemed severe enough to warrant expulsion from the Liga Promerica’s first division.

As a result, the club’s upcoming match against Club Sport Cartaginés, originally scheduled for Sunday, April 20, has been suspended. The UNAFUT Competition Committee will meet to decide whether to reschedule the fixture or award a 3-0 forfeit win to Cartaginés. Although Guanacasteca has the right to appeal the decision, the three-day window to submit a formal objection begins on Monday, April 21, which would be too late to prevent match consequences.

If the disaffiliation is upheld, Guanacasteca’s remaining opponents—Deportivo Saprissa, Sporting FC, and Club Sport Herediano—would be granted automatic 3-0 victories.

In response, the club issued a statement declaring their intention to appeal the ruling. They will initially request the rescheduling of the four affected matches but warned they will push for the entire tournament to be nullified if unsuccessful. The statement also hinted at potential legal action through international sporting authorities.