Ayacucho FC will return to the first division of Peruvian football in 2025 after two seasons in League 2. The ‘foxes‘ They got their place in the highest category after the Oral Corporate Civil Litigation Module No. 3 ruling in their favor in the lawsuit filed against Agustín Lozano and the Federation of Peru Peru (FPF).
The legal dispute goes back to the 2022 season, when a Ayacucho FC was left out of the revalidation zone after being sanctioned with four fewer points due to a decision by the FPF that did not update the stands. This situation left the Ayacucho club with no chance of keeping the category.
Because of this, the Ayacucho leadership filed an amparo action which the Judges finally resolved in their favor. The control forces the FPF to be considered among the teams that have the right to play in League 1 2025.
“Declared the founder of the law filed by Club Ayacucho FC, represented by its President Rolando Bellido Aedo against 1) Agustín Lozano Saavedra, in his capacity as President of the Peruvian Football Federation; 2) Peru Federation of Peru; 3) Sabrina Gisella Martín Zamalloa, in her role as Secretary General of the Peruvian Football Federation; and, 4) Jesús Alberto Gonzales Hurtado, in his capacity as Manager of Tier 1 of the Peruvian Federation of Peru. In the following sense: 1.1) There is a foundation for the claim of violation of the right to association, effective procedural protection and due process. Therefore, return things to the state before interfering with the constitutional right and the application of the principle of substituting a deficient complaint,” the document shows.
“I order that the defendants (…) the scope of Resolution No. 003-TL-FPF-2023 dated February 28, 2023 and No. it involves: 1) Updating the 2022 Championship Standings Table, in accordance with the sanctions imposed on the Club Sports Boys Association; 2) Decree that the plaintiff Club Ayacucho FC maintains its category in the first division of Peruvian professional football and with the right to participate in the Liga 1 Competition – 2025; and, 3) Incorporating the plaintiff club into League 1 Competition – 2025; while paying full attention to the basis of this control” he continued.
Oral Litigation Corporate Civil Module – The 3rd Civil Court ordered the return of Ayacucho FC to League 1.Ayacucho FC It lost the category in the 2022 season after finishing 17th in the Accumulation Table and missing the revalidation with Unión Comercio. Shortly afterwards, however, he issued a complaint to the FPF, as, according to the rules, 4 points should have been deducted. Sports Boys for non-compliance with Article 73.2 of the Licensing Regulations, which relates to the payment of their debts.
Although the claim was still unresolved, the FPF made the decision to start the 2023 season without the ‘foxes‘, which greatly angered his president Rolando Bellido. However, due to their confidence in their cause, they made the decision to face League 2 2023 with a tight budget squad, made up mostly of reserve players, which is why they finished in 10th place and were eliminated from the game. ‘play off‘ promotion.
In mid-November of the same year, the FPF Licensing Commission rule in favor Ayacucho FC and he took the four points Sports Boys. This did not affect the situation of the two teams, however, so the ‘pink‘ remained in the highest category, and the ‘foxesThey had to participate again in League 2 in 2024, which they again played with a team with little investment. In this campaign they performed better, finishing 3rd in the South Zone and qualifying for the group stage, a stage where they were eliminated after finishing 5th.
After frustrated re-investment in the first division, leadership Ayacucho FC he issued a statement criticizing the FPF and even organized a sit-in outside La Videna. Although these pressure methods did not achieve their objectives, the team continued to fight in parallel through legal channels, until they finally received a court order to return to the highest category.
It is worth mentioning that, with the inclusion of the Ayacuchanos, there will be 19 teams at League 1 2025, a situation that occurred in 2021 and 2022 after the promotion of Alianza Lima, Deportivo Binacional and Universidad San Martín, the following three TAS resolutions.
Shortly after the ruling was issued, Ayacucho FC he published a statement welcoming the Judges’ decision and announcing his return to the first division:
Ayacucho FC’s statement after a ruling by the Judges which calls for it to be returned to League 1Interview Between Time.news Editor and Football Law Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re discussing a significant development in Peruvian football: Ayacucho FC’s triumphant return to League 1 after a lengthy legal struggle. Joining us is Dr. Maria Torres, a legal expert specializing in sports law. Maria, thank you for being here!
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for Ayacucho FC and their supporters.
Editor: Definitely! Let’s start with the background. Can you explain the situation that led to Ayacucho FC’s relegation in 2022?
Dr. Torres: Certainly. In the 2022 season, Ayacucho FC finished 17th in the Accumulation Table, which resulted in their relegation. However, the club argued that they were unfairly penalized when the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) did not properly update the standings. The FPF had initially decided to deduct four points from Sports Boys for violations regarding financial obligations, but this was inadequately reflected in the standings which ultimately affected Ayacucho’s positioning.
Editor: So, it seems that there were significant procedural issues at play here. How did Ayacucho FC pursue justice following their relegation?
Dr. Torres: They filed an amparo action—a form of legal remedy in Peru—arguing that their constitutional rights were violated, particularly concerning due process and the right to association. The leadership, headed by President Rolando Bellido, firmly believed that they had a valid claim against the FPF.
Editor: And their efforts paid off?
Dr. Torres: Yes! Recently, the Oral Corporate Civil Litigation Module ruled in favor of Ayacucho FC. The court mandated the FPF to update the standings correctly and acknowledged Ayacucho’s right to participate in League 1 for the 2025 season. Essentially, the ruling reinstated them to their rightful position in the league.
Editor: That’s a remarkable turn of events! What does this ruling mean for the broader context of Peruvian football governance?
Dr. Torres: This case highlights the necessity for transparency and adherence to fair procedures within sports organizations. It shows that clubs have the legal means to challenge unfair decisions and reinforces the need for football federations to operate within the bounds of their own regulations.
Editor: Indeed, it’s a wake-up call for governing bodies. How do you see Ayacucho FC’s strategy playing out in the upcoming seasons, given they have already faced financial limitations?
Dr. Torres: They’ll need to be strategic. Given their recent experience in League 2 with a limited budget, it’s imperative that they invest wisely and perhaps focus on developing young talent. The legal victory should also galvanize their fanbase and attract sponsorships, providing much-needed financial support.
Editor: Certainly! And how do you anticipate the fan response will be once Ayacucho FC returns to League 1?
Dr. Torres: The passionate fans of Ayacucho FC will likely celebrate wholeheartedly. This victory serves as a testament to their resilience and commitment to the club. It could rekindle local support and enhance their community engagement, reshaping the narrative around the club positively.
Editor: It’s an inspiring story, showing how determination and the legal system can turn a situation around. Before we wrap up, what recommendations do you have for other clubs facing similar disputes?
Dr. Torres: Transparency and documentation are key. Clubs should maintain thorough records of all communications with governing bodies and be prepared to challenge decisions legally if necessary. Engaging legal expertise is crucial to navigate the complexities of sports law effectively.
Editor: Fantastic insights, Maria! Thank you for your time, and we look forward to following Ayacucho FC’s journey back to League 1.
Dr. Torres: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic.