The resolution on the two regulatory controversies that arose in the match between Barcelona SC and Liga de Portoviejo, for the 2026 Copa Ecuador quarter-finals, is expected to be revealed within about fifteen days. The Disciplinary Commission of the Ecuadorean Federation of Football (FEF) will review the claims presented by both clubs, after which Liga de Portoviejo contested the participation of Erick Mendoza and Barcelona SC challenged the habilitation of Dalo Bucaram. On Tuesday, August 11th, all elements and arguments from both parties will be collected for the commission to analyze the cases.
Liga de Portoviejo's claim centers on Mendoza’s participation; he played in the 16th round of the Copa Ecuador with Delfín SC and then appeared with Barcelona SC in the quarter-finals, despite these rounds being part of the same competition phase. Article 50 of the regulations states that a player cannot play for more than one club within the same phase.
On the other hand, Barcelona SC contests Bucaram’s habilitation. The player completed his transfer to Liga de Portoviejo on Monday, August 3rd at 17:06 and played in the match of Wednesday, August 5th, which started at 19:00. The club argues that the required 72-hour period for the habilitation process was not met.
The Disciplinary Commission must determine if any violations occurred and, if so, what consequences apply. Among the possibilities is a loss of the match by 0-3. However, in case both teams are found guilty, the principle of respecting sportsmanship could be applied, leaving the result on the field as it was.
Barcelona SC won 1-0 at home with a goal from Jhonny Quiñónez and advanced initially to the semi-finals. (D)
