Four football players from CD Ocotal received harsh penalties after being investigated for match manipulation. Samuel Padilla was banned for life, while three other teammates were suspended for 10 years.
Nicaragua.- The Integrity Department of the Nicaraguan Football Federation (Fenifut) has taken drastic measures against four players from CD Ocotal, involved in a match-fixing scandal. After an exhaustive investigation, the Federation determined the sanctions, which include a lifetime ban for Samuel Padilla and 10-year suspensions for the footballers Edry Centeno, Jhon Mairena, and Jared Fortín. Additionally, they must pay fines to the Ocotal club for their actions.
The case came to light on November 2, when videos were leaked showing conversations between the players and an alleged mobster, in which they were ordered to manipulate the results of the matches. In these videos, the gambler instructed them on how to intentionally lose, such as conceding two goals in the first half and allowing another four in the second half. "If it's 0-0 at the 25th minute, you have to make a penalty," he demanded from one of the players. These matches were against the teams Ferretti and Diriangén, corresponding to the Clausura and Apertura seasons of 2024.
After a three-month investigation, Fenifut found sufficient evidence to confirm the involvement of the footballers, although each received a sanction according to their degree of responsibility in the match-fixing. Samuel Padilla, the most compromised in this scandal, has been suspended for life and must pay a fine of C$ 10,000 (USD 269). The other three footballers, Centeno, Mairena, and Fortín, were suspended for 10 years and must each pay C$ 5,000 (USD 135).
This is the third case in recent history where Fenifut has banned footballers for match-fixing. In 2021, the Federation sanctioned 19 players, a coach, and a kit man from the Liga Primera and Liga de Ascenso teams, while in 2024, another 14 players were suspended for similar reasons.
