Antonio Alvarez, president of Barcelona SC and brother to the mayor of Guayaquil, was detained in connection with an organized crime investigation involving money laundering and tax fraud.
Antonio Alvarez, the president of Barcelona SC, was arrested early Tuesday, February 10, as part of a case known as 'Goleada', which is investigating alleged organized crime tied to money laundering and tax evasion. His arrest drew significant attention due to his familial connections, as he was detained alongside his brothers, including Aquiles Alvarez, the mayor of Guayaquil, which puts a spotlight on potential corruption at multiple levels of local governance.
Alvarez is a prominent businessman from Guayaquil, having succeeded Carlos Alfaro Moreno as president of the club after Moreno's resignation from the board. His recent election victory in May 2024 against Matías Oyola, a beloved former player, adds to the political intrigue surrounding his position, especially given the club's historical significance in Ecuadorian football and its ties to local identity.
The implications of Alvarez's arrest could be far-reaching, potentially impacting not only the governance of Barcelona SC but also the political landscape in Guayaquil, especially considering the involvement of his politically active family. This situation raises concerns about corruption within sports administration in Ecuador, and it may set a precedent for future investigations into sports-related governance and financial practices.
