By Humberto Viera
The Panamanian Football Federation (FPF) has once again placed sporting integrity at the center of its agenda after the recent controversy in the Clausura 2026 tournament. This Monday, the governing body reaffirmed its policy of “Zero tolerance for match-fixing”responding to the growing doubts generated during the last day of the first phase of the Panamanian Soccer League (LPF).
The ex officio investigation focuses on what happened during the meeting between Alianza FC and Carrying San Miguelito. The play that set off alarms took place in the 90th minute, when Carrying’s experienced goalkeeper, José Calderón, made a mistake that led to an own goal, sealing the final 3-2 in favor of Alianza.
The nature of the action not only caused immediate questions on the field, but forced the league’s Integrity Unit to activate investigation protocols to clarify the transparency of the result.
Through an official statement, the FPF stressed that the manipulation of results directly attacks the credibility and values of the sport. The federation recalled that it has anonymous reporting mechanisms and protocols endorsed by FIFA and CONCACAF, which remain in permanent operation to identify risks linked to betting and illicit networks.
Both the LPF administration and the Carrying San Miguelito club itself have condemned the events and have requested a thorough investigation that reaches the ultimate consequences. The organization has been emphatic that, if irregularities are proven, exemplary sanctions will be applied to protect the image of national football.
While the Integrity Office summons those involved, the Clausura 2026 tournament remains uncertain, remembering that the fight against match-fixing continues to be one of the most complex challenges for the development of professional football in Central America.
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