*Date: February 10, 2024*
*Alarm in Costa Rica as Coach’s Legal Problems Impact Vital Play-off Match*
Costa Rica’s national football team is facing a crisis as head coach Gustavo Alfaro has been prohibited from leading the team in their upcoming playoff match against Honduras due to legal issues.
Alfaro, who was appointed as the team’s coach in November 2023, has run into bureaucratic obstacles that prevent him from fulfilling his duties. The 61-year-old Argentine coach has been unable to obtain a work permit in Costa Rica, restricting his access to observe local league matches and the facilities of the Costa Rican Federation.
The coach’s predicament has complicated the process of preparing the team for the crucial playoff against Honduras, which will determine their qualification for the 2024 Copa América. Despite being in office for three months, Alfaro has been unable to function normally due to this unexpected legal hurdle.
The Costa Rican Football Federation, Fedefútbol, has accepted responsibility for the oversight and has initiated steps to rectify the situation. Osael Maroto, the federation’s president, emphasized that efforts were being made to expedite the necessary procedures for Alfaro and his technical staff to resume their work.
Maroto acknowledged the mistake and expressed optimism that the necessary paperwork would be completed within approximately ten days. Additionally, the federation is seeking legal assistance to ensure that such oversights do not occur in the future.
Despite the setback, the Costa Rican team and its coaching staff remain determined to overcome the administrative challenges and focus on their upcoming match against Honduras. The federation’s acknowledgement of the issue and commitment to resolving it underscores their dedication to ensuring that the team’s preparations for the crucial playoff remain on track.