Bolivian professional soccer goalkeeper accused of threatening to kill

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Ahn Hong-seok = There is a stir in Bolivian professional soccer after allegations were made that a goalkeeper received death threats ahead of a game.

According to the Associated Press on the 15th (Korean time), Leonardo Higuez, coach of Guavira in the Bolivian first division, claimed that his team's goalkeeper Juan Manuel Perel had received death threats.

Coach Eguez said, "Our goalkeeper had his life, his wife and his mother threatened. He was threatened to kill his family if he did not pay the amount set by the blackmailers or if he did not concede three goals in the game."

Ferrell was threatened before Guavira faced Always Ready last weekend.

The match, held at Always Ready's home El Alto Stadium, ended with Always Ready winning 6-0.

Coach Eguez urged, "You can't seriously prepare for a game while receiving death threats. Something suspicious is going on and an investigation is needed."

The Guavira club has not yet issued an official statement, but the Bolivian professional soccer players' union called for an immediate investigation into the allegations.

“We cannot let what happened to Guavira players go uninvestigated. We must set a clear precedent for Bolivian football,” the union said.

Always Ready, which won, is also demanding an investigation.

The team's legal advisor pointed out, "Soccer should not be polluted. To protect the integrity of the sport, we will request an investigation from the prosecution," and added, "The validity of the results of this game itself is being questioned."

In the Bolivian league, Always Ready is in second place after leader Bolivar, and Guavira is in ninth place.