Barcelona SC won 1-0 at Reales Tamarindos on Wednesday, yet the Copa Ecuador tie remains unsettled off the cancha. The Liga de Portoviejo complaint challenges Erick Mendoza’s eligibility after his second-half appearance for the Guayaquil club.
Meanwhile, Capira says it delivered records and supporting evidence to the Ecuadorian Football Federation. Therefore, the FEF’s ruling could now reshape the quarterfinal picture.
Liga de Portoviejo complaint centers on Mendoza
Liga de Portoviejo argues Mendoza had already appeared for Delfin during the same competition stage. According to Capira, Copa Ecuador 2026 rules prevent one player from representing two clubs within that stage.
However, the supplied reports describe the earlier Delfin appearance with different round labels. Therefore, the FEF disciplinary case must determine how the regulation applies to Mendoza’s participation.
Barcelona SC used the attacker during the second half of Wednesday’s match. On the field, the Toreros protected a 1-0 advantage and moved ahead provisionally.
Capira asks the FEF to apply the regulations
Portoviejo says its filing includes documents, match records and other supporting evidence. Moreover, the club requested every sporting measure allowed under the tournament rules.
Its public statement stressed equality, transparency and strict application of the competition regulations. As a result, the dispute has shifted from match analysis toward federation procedure.
Comunicado oficial ✍️#LDUP2026 pic.twitter.com/QdUzLDaVpP
— LDU PORTOVIEJO (@LDUPoficial) August 7, 2026
Alfaro Moreno adds pressure around Barcelona SC
Former Barcelona president Carlos Alfaro Moreno reacted strongly to the possible administrative error. However, he made clear that his criticism depends on the alleged infraction being confirmed.
He also recalled Barcelona’s 2019 Copa Libertadores sanction involving an ineligible player. Meanwhile, Barcelona SC had not issued an official response in the supplied information.
Barcelona SC Copa Ecuador case could overturn the 1-0 result
Liga de Portoviejo lost 1-0 on the pitch at Reales Tamarindos. However, the supplied report says a confirmed eligibility breach could trigger a 3-0 administrative defeat for Barcelona.
Such a ruling would eliminate the Guayaquil club and send Capira into the quarterfinals. Therefore, qualification remains tied to the FEF’s interpretation and disciplinary process. No final federation decision appears in the information provided.
Barcelona SC Risks Elimination Over Mendoza Controversy
Why Barcelona SC's position is vulnerable
The Erick Mendoza eligibility dispute does not question a refereeing decision, tactical incident or disputed goal. Instead, it focuses entirely on player registration and competition eligibility.
Moreover, administrative cases can override the sporting result when regulations establish an ineligible appearance. Barcelona’s current leadership instability also adds tension around the club’s silence.
What Liga de Portoviejo needs next
Capira now needs the FEF to validate its interpretation of the tournament stage. Meanwhile, the federation must review Mendoza’s prior appearance and Barcelona’s team-sheet compliance.
If officials reject the complaint, the 1-0 result would remain decisive. However, a successful protest would completely reverse the tie’s sporting outcome.
Barcelona SC still owns the 1-0 result on the field, but that may not settle qualification. Meanwhile, Capira waits for the FEF to assess Mendoza’s eligibility and the regulation cited. Until that ruling arrives, the quarterfinal place remains under administrative scrutiny across Ecuadorian football.
🚨🧐🟡 ¿CUÁNDO SE DEFINE LA RESOLUCIÓN DEL CASO ERICK MENDOZA?
— StudioFútbol ⚽ (@StudioFutbol) August 7, 2026
Informa @jamolestina en #StudioFútbolxZapping qué el siguiente martes se hará oficial la decisión sobre el jugador de Barcelona qué jugó ante LDUP en Copa Ecuador 2026. pic.twitter.com/fRezxXmSRr
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