The fallout from a controversial penalty call in a recent Liga 1 Te Apuesto match continues, with the Comisión Nacional de Árbitros (Conar) announcing sanctions for the officials involved. The incident occurred during a 1-1 draw between Universitario and Cusco FC on , and centered around a penalty awarded to Cusco FC late in the game.
The penalty, called by referee Kevin Ortega, has sparked widespread debate. Universitario officials have already indicated they will request access to the VAR audio recordings to review the decision, according to reports. The call appeared to stem from contact between Williams Riveros of Universitario and Aldair Fuentes of Cusco FC during a challenge for a ball in the air.
Juan Sulca, president of Conar, addressed the situation, stating that the initial assessment by Ortega was no foul. “The referee, in a first moment, did not appreciate any fault and the game continued. Then he receives the call from the VAR for a review for a possible foul in the area,” Sulca explained in an interview with Fútbol Satélite. He went on to suggest that the contact was an unavoidable consequence of challenging for an aerial ball.
“Changing his initial decision and determining to sanction the penalty. In that situation, let’s be honest, we have not appreciated the evidence of a fault, but of an inevitable contact when players go to dispute an aerial ball. It is impossible that in that context there is no contact due to the same impulse to dispute the balls,” Sulca added.
The controversy isn’t simply about the call itself, but the perceived inconsistency in officiating. Jorge Fossati, Universitario’s manager, recently voiced his frustration with penalty decisions, referencing a previous incident involving Cusco FC and a perceived missed call that benefited Universitario in a match against Universitario in . Fossati, speaking after the Cusco FC match, suggested a similar level of scrutiny should be applied to all potential penalty situations.
Adding fuel to the fire, Franco Velazco Imparato, a former FIFA referee, publicly criticized Ortega’s decision on social media, stating the call was “inadmissible” and “not objective.” Velazco’s assessment, posted on Twitter, echoed the concerns of many fans and analysts who believe the penalty should not have been awarded.
Conar is now taking action. Sulca confirmed that both Ortega and Alejandro Villanueva, the VAR official for the match, will face disciplinary measures. “When this happens, we have to take corrective measures against the referees who are involved. In this case, the VAR and the field referee have the greater responsibility,” he stated. A meeting is scheduled following the completion of the current matchday to discuss the matter further.
The decision to sanction Ortega and Villanueva underscores the pressure on referees in Liga 1 Te Apuesto. The league has faced scrutiny over officiating consistency, and this incident is likely to intensify those concerns. The focus now shifts to the specifics of the sanctions and whether they will be sufficient to address the perceived issues with officiating standards.
The penalty itself proved decisive, leveling the score and ultimately securing a point for Cusco FC. While Universitario remains a strong contender in the Torneo Apertura, the dropped points could prove costly in a tightly contested league. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the VAR system and its implementation in Peruvian football.
The Conar’s response, while firm, also acknowledges the inherent difficulty of officiating. Sulca’s comments about the unavoidable contact during aerial challenges highlight the subjective nature of many decisions. However, the league’s commitment to reviewing the VAR audio and taking disciplinary action demonstrates a willingness to address concerns and maintain the integrity of the competition.
The upcoming meeting between Conar officials and Ortega and Villanueva will be crucial in determining the extent of the sanctions and outlining steps to prevent similar controversies in the future. The league will be hoping to restore confidence in its officiating and ensure a fair and competitive environment for all teams.
