By Nick Butler

El Salvador will be hit hard by bans affecting many of their foremost playersSeptember 21 - The El Salvadorian Football Federation (FESFUT) has announced that 14 players have been banned for life, with 11 others also receiving shorter suspensions after a spate of match fixing scandals riddled the national game.

In an indication of just how deeply the crisis has hit the team five of those to be banned for life had represented the country on more than 50 occasions.

These are defenders Alfredo Pacheco and midfielders Osael Romero, Marvin Gonzalez, Dennis Alas and Ramon Sanchez while many others have extensive international experience.

The bans have been imposed as a result of a Disciplinary Commission initiated after suspicious betting in friendly matches against United States, Paraguay and American club side DC United, along with a Gold Cup encounter with Mexico that ended with a 5-0 defeat.

Investigations also remain open into another friendly loss in May this year against Venezuela after suspicions remain that the final 2-1 result may have been manipulated.

Alfredo Pacheco here in action in 2009 against the United States had scored seven times in over 80 national team appearences before his banAlfredo Pacheco here in action (left) in 2009 against the United States had scored seven times in over 80 national team appearances but is one of those players now banned for life


"The work of the Disciplinary Commission has been exhaustive," said Carlos Mendez, President of FESFUT.

"All types of information revealed in interviews have been taken into account, as well as videos and testimony of persons who have showed the valour to testify in search of those responsible in match fixing of national team games, in order to arrive at definitive and concrete decisions.

"To fail to uphold this entrusted loyalty and dishonor the jersey of the country in this way, signifies nothing less than failure to comply with the representation bestowed.

"For that reason, having carried out this investigation, and found the evidence that in this manner has been revealed in respect to the players that have participated in such activities, this institution has set a precedent with this decision.

"We want to set an example to current and future generations so that they will remain alert and not allow themselves to become involved in negative undertakings, wasting years of dedication and sacrifice for football, and ending their sporting careers at the same time they destroy the energetic support of the tremendous fan base our country has.

"The work is not finished at this time.

"For today, we are concluding a preliminary phase, and we have a new study to undertake in reference to other games that are being investigated, involving the national team and also other games that may emerge."

The President of El Salvadors Football Federation Carlos Mendez Flores alongside the secretary-general of CONCACAF Enrique SanzThe President of El Salvador's Football Federation Carlos Mendez Flores alongside the secretary-general of CONCACAF Enrique Sanz



Match fixing is a worldwide problem in football with Turkey among other countries to have experienced recent scandals.

Yet is appears a particular problem in the Central American region due to the poorly paid nature of players and in recent years three Guatemalans and one Nicaraguans have also received life bans for similar offences.

The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) however added their endorsement and "fully support FESFUT and its President in the above mentioned investigation as well as the sanctions rendered today."

"The fight against match-manipulation to protect the integrity of the beautiful game is a top priority for the Confederation," they added.

"In alignment with FIFA guidelines and in line with CONCACAF's commitment to ensure the legitimacy of the sport throughout the region, it is our duty to fight against organised crime alongside all stakeholders involved."