A major scandal is shaking Ecuadorian soccer. Antonio Álvarez, president of Barcelona SC de Guayaquil since May 2024, was arrested and removed from his position in the context of the so-called "Caso Goleada," an investigation for alleged money laundering and tax fraud.
The institution itself confirmed the departure of the executive through an official statement, in which it reported that Miguel Montalvo Arias assumed the presidency by subrogation. "The subrogation is carried out in accordance with the institutional mechanisms in place, with the objective of guaranteeing the club's administrative, operational, and sporting continuity," stated the entity, which also reaffirmed "its commitment to transparency, institutional stability, and respect for its internal processes."
The judicial investigation is targeting an alleged organized crime network linked to money laundering and tax fraud schemes. A total of 11 people were arrested, among them Aquiles Álvarez, Antonio's brother, mayor of Guayaquil and former vice president of the club, and Xavier Álvarez, also brother of the now former president and executive of the institution.
