Barcelona SC files complaint against Liga de Portoviejo amid Copa Ecuador controversy

The Copa Ecuador is embroiled in controversy as Barcelona SC has officially filed a complaint against Liga de Portoviejo, accusing them of fielding an improperly registered player. This move escalates the ongoing dispute between the two clubs following their eighth-final match.

Barcelona SC's argument centers on Dalo Bucaram, a player for Liga de Portoviejo. According to the Ecuadorian club, Bucaram was not eligible to play because his registration was not submitted at least 72 hours prior to the game, a requirement stipulated in Article 49 of the Registration Regulations. Barcelona SC is requesting that the Disciplinary Commission of the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) declare an improper alignment and award them the victory based on Articles 24 and 170 of the regulations.

The FEF will now be tasked with verifying whether Liga de Portoviejo adhered to the stipulated registration timelines. This decision could significantly impact the tournament's progression, as both teams are vying for a win on paper while awaiting the FEF's resolution.

This counter-complaint from Barcelona SC comes shortly after Liga de Portoviejo lodged its own grievance. The Manabí team's claim concerns Erick Mendoza, who played in the Copa Ecuador's round of 32 with Delfín before transferring to Barcelona SC and participating in the eighth-final against Liga de Portoviejo. Liga de Portoviejo argues that Mendoza's participation violates tournament rules, which prohibit a player from competing with two different clubs in the same stage of the competition.