A shocking incident has rocked the Paraguayan football league, raising serious questions about the integrity of the sport.

Universo FC, a team competing in the Capiatá Football League, has filed a formal protest after discovering that a player on the opposing team, 28 de Septiembre, was also a registered youth referee with the Paraguayan Football Association (APF). According to Paraguayan football regulations, individuals are prohibited from simultaneously holding both player and referee roles.

Following their loss to 28 de Septiembre, Universo FC argued that the opposing team had gained an unfair advantage due to this conflict of interest. However, the Capiatá League tribunal initially dismissed Universo FC's protest.

Undeterred, Universo FC appealed the decision to the central football association, which ultimately ruled in their favor, awarding them the victory.

This incident has sparked widespread outrage and raised serious concerns about the integrity of Paraguayan football. The practice of a player also serving as a referee is a clear violation of the rules and undermines the credibility of match results, potentially harming other teams in the league.

28 de Septiembre is expected to appeal the central association's decision to a higher authority. This incident is likely to have far-reaching consequences for Paraguayan football, prompting calls for the association to implement stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.