Jordy Alemán returns to refereeing after 15 days in the cold

Jordy Alemán is back in the middle. After 15 days out of the refereeing appointments, he has been assigned Wednesday’s Copa Bolivia match between FC Universitario and The Strongest.

The decision comes after controversy in the match between Guabirá and Blooming on Aug. 23 at Montero’s Gilberto Parada stadium. Alemán initially allowed play to continue when Blooming defender Marc Enoumbá tried to clear a ball with his head near the 69th minute. VAR referee García then recommended an on-field review.

After watching the footage, Alemán changed his decision. He awarded a penalty to Guabirá and showed Enoumbá a straight red card. Guabirá scored from the spot to equalize, while Blooming finished the match with 10 players.

The incident prompted a formal complaint from Blooming. On Aug. 24, club president Sebastián Peña and secretary general Fabricio Franzhek asked the Bolivian Football Federation’s Sports Disciplinary Tribunal to investigate possible violations involving partiality and technical incompetence under Articles 63 and 64 of the disciplinary code.

The club particularly challenged the decision to activate VAR and the subsequent ruling by the central referee, questioning whether the technical and regulatory requirements for a review had been met. The opening of the case does not mean the allegations have been proven or that either official has been sanctioned. Alemán and García retain their rights to a defense, challenge, due process and the presumption of innocence.