San José, Costa Rica – The Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (FCRF), the governing body for soccer in Costa Rica, is facing intense scrutiny following scathing criticism from prominent journalists at Channel 7 (Teletica). The public rebuke centers on the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup and concerns over the direction of the organization as it approaches key elections.
The dispute stems, in part, from an upcoming vote for a position on the FCRF’s Executive Committee, pitting Deportivo Saprissa president Roberto Artavia against Stewart Gómez, the president of the Costa Rican Football Beach League. Still, the broader criticism leveled by Teletica’s Gustavo López and Christian Sandoval extends to the entire current leadership, including FCRF President Osael Maroto, Vice Presidents Sergio Hidalgo and Jafet Soto, and Secretary Gustavo Araya.
Christian Sandoval, Director of Sports at Teletica Radio, didn’t mince words in his assessment. “Today they are the worst fiasco, the worst management in history,” Sandoval stated, according to reports. “Due to the fact that yes, they may get angry; frankly, I don’t care much, but today we must remember those in this management… They are the worst management in the history of Costa Rican soccer, because with eight places we were left out of the World Cup, due to their poor decisions and poor management.”
The sentiment was echoed by López, who urged voters to carefully consider their choices in the upcoming election. “Think carefully about who you are going to vote for. I sense sorry, because people like soccer, but as things are going, they will continue to lead us to ruin,” he said. López added that the current course of action is actively hindering the national team’s chances of qualifying for future World Cups, suggesting a focus on personal interests rather than the good of the game. “We are following all the instructions on how not to go to the World Cup, because personal egos are being prioritized,” he asserted.
The timing of this criticism is particularly significant. Costa Rica’s failure to secure a spot in the World Cup – missing out on eight available qualifying places – has sparked widespread disappointment among fans and raised serious questions about the FCRF’s strategic planning and execution. The journalists at Teletica are calling for a leadership that prioritizes the development of the sport over political considerations.
Adding another layer to the situation is the candidacy of Stewart Gómez for the Director 1 position. While nominated by representatives of the women’s soccer league, Gómez’s past conduct is under scrutiny. In April 2024, the FCRF’s Ethics Committee sanctioned Gómez for irregularities in handling funds during a trip with the Costa Rican Beach Soccer team to El Salvador. The sanction included a one-month ban from all football-related activities and a fine of 300,000 colones (approximately $585 USD based on current exchange rates). La Teja reported on the details of the sanction.
The vacancy in the Director 1 position was created by the departure of Juan Carlos Rojas, the former president of Saprissa, who reportedly recommended Artavia as his successor. The election to fill this role is scheduled for late May, and the outcome will undoubtedly shape the future direction of Costa Rican soccer.
The FCRF has yet to respond to the criticisms leveled by Teletica, despite a request for comment from La Nación. This silence has only fueled the debate and intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability within the organization.
The upcoming election isn’t just about filling a vacant position; it’s about restoring faith in the FCRF and charting a course toward future success. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on the current leadership to address the concerns raised by the media and the public. The focus now shifts to the voting process and whether the outcome will signal a modern era for Costa Rican football.
The election is expected to be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike, as the future of Costa Rican soccer hangs in the balance. The outcome will likely determine whether the national team can regain its competitive edge and once again challenge for a place on the world stage.
What’s Next: The election for the Director 1 position within the FCRF is scheduled for late May. This will be a pivotal moment for Costa Rican soccer, as the new appointee will play a key role in shaping the future of the sport in the country.
