Bolivian coach alleges death threats made to goalkeeper before 6-0 loss and calls for probe

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) — The coach of Bolivian first-division club Guabirá, Leonardo Egüez, has alleged that his goalkeeper, Juan Manuel Ferrel, received death threats before their 6-0 loss to Club Always Ready. Egüez maintains that "something suspicious is happening and it needs to be investigated."

According to prosecutors, Ferrel was allegedly told that if he did not pay a specific sum or concede three goals, his life and the lives of his wife and mother would be taken.

While Guabirá has not issued an official statement, the Bolivian Professional Footballers’ Union (Fabol) called for an immediate inquiry into the alleged threats. Fabol General Secretary David Paniagua emphasized the need to set a precedent in Bolivian football, stating that what happened to the Guabirá players cannot go un-investigated.

Club Always Ready's legal advisor, Marcelo Ortiz, also urged authorities to intervene, citing the validity of the match result as now in question. Ortiz stated that "football must not be tainted. We will ask the Public Prosecutor’s Office to investigate so that the sport’s integrity is preserved."

Club Always Ready is currently second in the Bolivian championship, while Guabirá sits ninth in the standings.