On the morning of February 10, 2026, the National Police and the Attorney General's Office in Ecuador conducted a series of operations as part of an investigation dubbed the Goleada case. In these operations, eleven individuals were arrested, including notable figures such as Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, and Antonio Alvarez, the president of Barcelona Sporting Club. The arrests were made as part of a broader inquiry into alleged organized crime activities, specifically related to money laundering and tax fraud.

The arrests have caused a significant stir in Ecuador, particularly given the prominence of those detained, shining a spotlight on corruption issues that may extend into high levels of local government and professional sports. The Attorney General's office has indicated that the detainees were arrested for questioning and formulation of charges, although specific details regarding the allegations have yet to be disclosed.

This incident underscores ongoing concerns about corruption and organized crime in Ecuador, reflecting a larger trend in the region where governmental and sports institutions are being scrutinized. These developments are crucial as they may lead to substantial legal ramifications for the individuals involved and could possibly trigger broader reforms within Ecuador's governance and sports administrations.