Deportivo Pereira Faces Medellín with U-20 Squad; Acolfutpro Criticizes as ‘Mockery’
Deportivo Pereira faces a significant crisis as the team prepares for its upcoming match against Medellín. This match will feature the club’s U-20 squad, following a refusal from the professional team to participate due to unpaid labor debts.
Background on Deportivo Pereira’s Crisis
Deportivo Pereira has been under scrutiny due to ongoing issues with salary payments to players. The club has acknowledged partial payments, indicating it has addressed some overdue months. They claim to be current on 98% of payroll obligations, though payments for October remain outstanding.
U-20 Squad Takes the Field
In light of these issues, Deportivo Pereira’s U-20 team will compete in the match scheduled for this Friday. This decision comes after professional players decided against participating due to the unresolved labor debts.
Acolfutpro’s Criticism
The Association of Professional Footballers, known as Acolfutpro, has critical concerns over Deportivo Pereira’s situation. They view the use of an inexperienced U-20 squad as “mockery” and a serious compromise to the integrity of the competition.
- Acolfutpro accuses the club of violating labor obligations, including unpaid salaries, social security, and parafiscal contributions.
- The organization questions the credibility of the governing body, Dimayor, for allowing such irregularities to continue.
Investigation Initiated by MinTrabajo
Adding to Deportivo Pereira’s challenges, the Ministry of Labor has initiated an administrative investigation. This follows Pereira’s failure to comply with a previous suspension order issued on October 30. The Director of the Territorial Area, Andrés Piedrahita Gutiérrez, confirmed the inquiry into the club’s adherence to regulations.
In summary, Deportivo Pereira’s ongoing labor issues lead to a critical decision to field a U-20 squad against Medellín. The financial strain and resulting criticism could have lasting effects on the club’s reputation and future.
