A Nicaraguan soccer player almost missed Monday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica due to an alimony debt for which the police came looking for him in the dressing room of the National Stadium in San José.
The general secretary of the Costa Rican Soccer Federation (FCRF), Gustavo Araya, explained to journalists the situation and the presence of the security forces at the stadium, but said he would not give more details as the case involves a minor.
With off-field controversy
The identity of the Nicaraguan player was also not revealed, but he could play in the match, although he may have to pay the debt at the end of the game to avoid being arrested.
Costa Rica hosted Nicaragua on Monday in a match corresponding to the fourth day of the final phase of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the World Cup to be organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The match is key for both teams, as Costa Rica (3 points) needs a win to get into the fight for first place in the group, while Nicaragua (1) could be eliminated with another loss.
With information from EFE
Is the defendant Byron?
According to reports, the Nicaraguan soccer player that the police searched for a pension in Costa Rica was Byron Bonilla.
He moved to this country at an early age and developed a good part of his career there.
He played for clubs such as Sporting San José, Municipal Grecia, Deportivo Saprissa and Cartaginés and since 2022 he has been playing for Real Estelí of Nicaragua.
He made his debut with the Nicaragua national team in December 2016 and in October 2023 announced his retirement from the squad for personal reasons.
However, in 2024 it was reported to return.
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