Unión La Calera Faces Points Deduction Over Foreign Player Rule Breach | Chilean Soccer News
- A potential points deduction looms over Unión La Calera following a complaint filed by Everton to the ANFP’s Disciplinary Tribunal.
- Everton’s claim asserts that La Calera exceeded the permitted number of foreign players on the pitch during the match.
- Everton argues that Encinas lost his youth system status upon being promoted to the first team, thus constituting a violation of the league’s foreign player quota.
A potential points deduction looms over Unión La Calera following a complaint filed by Everton to the ANFP’s Disciplinary Tribunal. The dispute centers around allegations that La Calera fielded an ineligible player – Axel Encinas – during their Primera División match against Everton on , a game Everton lost 1-0.
Everton’s claim asserts that La Calera exceeded the permitted number of foreign players on the pitch during the match. Specifically, the complaint names Encinas, who entered the game in the 59th minute, alongside Nicolás Avellaneda, Rodrigo Cáseres, Kevin Méndez, Juan Manuel Requena, and Francisco Pozzo as the players in question. According to Article 31 of the Primera División league rules, a sixth foreign player can be exempt from sanction if registered within the youth system.
Everton argues that Encinas lost his youth system status upon being promoted to the first team, thus constituting a violation of the league’s foreign player quota. If the Tribunal upholds the complaint, La Calera could face a significant points deduction, as well as a fine of 500 UF (Unidad de Fomento, a Chilean unit of account).
The situation is further complicated by Encinas’s involvement in another recent La Calera victory, against Cobresal. Should the Tribunal rule in favor of Everton, it is anticipated that Cobresal may also lodge a similar complaint, potentially leading to further administrative defeats for La Calera – specifically, 3-0 losses awarded to their opponents – and additional financial penalties.
Kevin Méndez, a player for Unión La Calera, expressed concern over the potential severity of the sanctions. It would be a shame if there was a massive points deduction, because (matches) are won on the field,
Méndez stated in an interview with En Cancha. However, he also defended his club’s position, asserting that the club has made it clear to us that Axel, having come and been registered with the club as a youth player for two years, does not count as a foreign player.
He added, So, on that front, we are calm, trusting that there will be no sanction.
The case highlights the increasingly stringent regulations surrounding foreign player quotas in Chilean football. The Primera División currently limits the number of foreign players allowed on the field at any given time, a rule designed to promote the development of Chilean talent and ensure competitive balance within the league. The interpretation of these rules, particularly regarding players transitioning from youth systems to the first team, can be complex and often leads to disputes between clubs.
Cobreloa, currently competing in the Primera B, provides a contrasting example of a club with a long and storied history in Chilean football. Founded on , the club, nicknamed “Zorros del Desierto” (Desert Foxes), plays its home matches at the Estadio Zorros del Desierto in Calama, with a capacity of 12,102. Currently coached by César Bravo, Cobreloa finished third in the 2025 Primera B season. While not directly involved in the current dispute between Unión La Calera and Everton, Cobreloa’s presence in the Primera B underscores the competitive landscape of Chilean football and the importance of adhering to league regulations.
The ANFP’s (Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional) authority to sanction clubs for non-compliance with its regulations was recently reaffirmed, as noted by Chilean Football News on Instagram. This ruling reinforces the governing body’s commitment to enforcing its rules and maintaining the integrity of the league. The outcome of the Disciplinary Tribunal’s investigation into the allegations against Unión La Calera will undoubtedly set a precedent for future cases involving foreign player eligibility and could have significant implications for the remainder of the 2026 Primera División season.
The senior management of Azul Azul, the major shareholder of a currently unnamed club, met on , at 5pm to discuss the appointment of a new coach for the 2026 season, according to Chilean Football News on Facebook. While this event is unrelated to the La Calera-Everton dispute, it illustrates the ongoing activity and decision-making processes within Chilean football’s administrative structures.
The coming days will be crucial for Unión La Calera as they await the Tribunal’s decision. The potential loss of points could severely impact their league standing and jeopardize their chances of competing for a championship berth. The club will likely present a robust defense, relying on their interpretation of the league’s regulations and the testimony of players like Kevin Méndez. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of meticulous compliance with league rules and the potential consequences of even minor infractions.