Fraud, corruption, money laundering: Peru’s football is facing a scandal. The association president and other top officials are under investigation.
The president of the Peruvian Football Association, Agustin Lozano, has been arrested as part of an investigation into corruption and money laundering. In addition to Lozano, other people were also arrested, including presidents of Peruvian clubs, directors and officials, according to a police spokesperson. In addition, several properties in different cities were searched. All those arrested are being investigated for fraud, corruption and money laundering. A provisional 15-day pre-trial detention has also been ordered.
According to media reports, the other allegations include that Lozano is said to have failed to impose sanctions on clubs in the first and second divisions, which would have benefited certain teams to the detriment of others and affected the transparency and fairness of the competitions. Accordingly, the authorities suspect that this omission was part of a plan for personal favor and economic gain by the association president.
Nationalelf with their backs to the wall
“I hope that justice will be done, that everything will be cleared up, and I ask for calm for the people who trust in my work,” said Lozano as he left the building and shortly before he was led away by police officers.
The Peruvian national team will face Chile and Argentina in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in November. With just one win and six points from ten games, the team currently sits in ninth place, the penultimate spot in the Eliminatorias.