Bolivian football rocked by death threat allegations against goalkeeper
Guabira coach Leonardo Eguez alleges goalkeeper Juan Manuel Ferrel received death threats before a 6-0 loss to Always Ready.
Bolivian football is facing a major integrity scandal after Guabira head coach Leonardo Eguez revealed that his goalkeeper, Juan Manuel Ferrel, was subjected to death threats ahead of a match against Always Ready. The incident reportedly occurred before the matchday 19 fixture.
Ferrel started the match but was substituted before half-time after conceding three goals in what eventually became a 6-0 defeat for Guabira. Following the game, Eguez went public with claims of extortion, stating that the goalkeeper and his family were targeted.
We cannot conduct a serious analysis when death threats are involved. Something suspicious is happening and it needs to be investigated. The sport has been tainted. My goalkeeper received threats against his life, his wife and his mother - he was told that if he didn't pay a specific sum or concede three goals, they would be killed. Leonardo Eguez
The Bolivian Professional Footballers' Union (Fabol) and Always Ready’s legal team have urged authorities to take decisive action. Both organizations are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the validity of the match result and to protect the integrity of the sport.
The Public Prosecutor's Office and federation integrity officials are expected to launch a formal inquiry to identify those behind the extortion scheme. As the legal investigation begins, Always Ready remains in a tight domestic title race, while Guabira looks to move forward from the unsettling events.