By R. Alexander Núñez
A closing match in the Panamanian Soccer League set off alarms and activated internal protocols. The organization confirmed the opening of an ex officio investigation after what happened in the duel between Alianza FC and Sporting San Miguelito, corresponding to the last day of the first phase of the Clausura 2026 tournament.
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The decision originates in the midst of questions about a specific action in the 90th minute. In that play, the Sporting goalkeeper, Jose Calderon He made a mistake that led to an own goal, a result that sealed the 3-2 victory for Alianza and generated suspicions both on and off the field.
It happened in Panama.
In the duel between Alianza FC vs Sporting San Miguelito, played around 90′ and the match was tied; Goalkeeper José Calderón does this and 3-2.
Former World Cup player and figure, now noted for sports betting.
MAÑO?pic.twitter.com/GlD0FVijOQ
— Fernando Esquivel (@fer_esquivel22) May maybe well maybe well 3, 2026
The LPF reported that the case will be addressed with institutional mechanisms. The entity indicated that it requested its Integrity Unit to “summon the parties involved to clarify what happened,” in addition to activating internal procedures that include the formation of a joint task force.
The organization also made its position clear regarding this type of situation. “Although errors inherent to the game can occur in football, there are situations that exceed that margin and are unacceptable within the standards of professional competition,” he said.
Formal complaints and recent history
The case was not only left in the hands of the league. Sporting San Miguelito released a statement in which it expressed its “deep concern” for what happened during the meeting. The club considers that there are indications that could be related to possible irregularities.
The institution confirmed that it filed formal complaints with both the LPF and the Panamanian Football Federation, requesting “immediate, exhaustive and impartial” investigations. He also expressed his rejection of any conduct that affects the integrity of the sport.
In its statement, Sporting asked that, if irregularities are proven, firm sanctions be applied. In addition, he called on Panamanian soccer clubs and authorities to reinforce transparency and controls within the competition.
The LPF announced that, once the process is concluded, it will send a communication to the Federation’s Disciplinary Commission to “evaluate possible sanctions.” The organization assured that it will take the case “to its final consequences” and that it will act with the utmost rigor.
This episode adds to recent precedents in the country. In 2023, a coach publicly denounced match-fixing after a controversial finish. A year later, in 2024, arrests were made of two players and a former player linked to results manipulation networks, including payments to alter matches.
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