Del festejo al desempleo: el drama de tres futbolistas afectados por la reducción de cupos en los clubes colombianos
El fútbol colombiano celebra ascensos, títulos y hazañas dentro de la cancha, pero fuera de ella atraviesa uno de sus momentos más sensibles y doloros...
TL;DR
- Dimayor's decision to reduce the maximum number of players per squad from 30 to 25, effective from the 2026 season, has led to approximately 220 players losing their jobs.
- The reduction affects both first and second division clubs and creates uncertainty for players, particularly those nearing the end of their careers.
- Players like Cristian Álvarez, who scored the penalty that secured Cúcuta Deportivo's promotion, and Jonathan Herrera and Henry Plazas are among those affected.
- ACOLFUTPRO, the professional footballers' union, denounces the decision as a violation of labor rights and predicts negative impacts on player workload, injury risk, and performance.
- Carlos Bacca, a prominent Colombian footballer, has also voiced concerns about the widespread unemployment caused by the measure.
- Dimayor President Carlos Zuluaga defends the reduction, stating that analysis shows only 23 players per team play at least 45 minutes per semester.
- ACOLFUTPRO disputes Dimayor's data, claiming the average number of players used is higher and that the reduction is drastic and potentially retaliatory.
- The conflict occurs amidst ongoing, previously tense negotiations between ACOLFUTPRO, the Colombian Football Federation, and Dimayor regarding labor agreements.