On March 17, 2026, the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) will hold elections for its president for the term 2027-2031. The current president, Francisco Egas, will stand as the sole candidate after the electoral commission disqualified another potential contender, Esteban Paz. This decision to proceed with only one candidate has raised eyebrows and questions about the electoral integrity within the organization.

The context of these elections is marked by various legal and political challenges surrounding Egas's presidency. While he is not facing any competition, the eventual affirmation of his leadership is uncertain as the government has indicated that a legal review will follow the elections to validate the new board's composition. This suggests that even if Egas is declared the winner, his position may still come under scrutiny.

The disqualification of Esteban Paz has sparked debates regarding the transparency of the electoral process within the FEF. Critics argue that a single candidacy undermines democratic principles, raising concerns about the state of governance in Ecuadorian football. The outcome of this election could have significant implications for the future direction of football in Ecuador as well as the rapport between the FEF and governmental authorities.