El Club Deportivo El Nacional is facing a significant crisis due to its failure to reach an agreement with creditor Ramiro Oviedo regarding a debt of $47,000. On March 19, legal representatives and Oviedo himself placed locks on the doors of the El Nacional sports complex in Tumbaco, effectively shutting down the club's facilities. The closure is indicative of deeper financial troubles within the club, which is struggling to maintain operations amid outstanding debts.

The closure has immediate repercussions on El Nacional's schedule, particularly affecting their upcoming first match of the Serie B against Independiente Juniors. As a result of the locked facilities and ongoing financial issues, the club announced a relocation of their match to Estadio La Cocha in Latacunga, instead of their usual home ground at Olímpico Atahualpa, which they are also unable to use due to prior arrangements with the Concentration of Pichincha Sports. This situation not only disrupts the club's operations but also poses significant challenges in terms of logistics and fan turnout for the relocated match.

The context of this crisis highlights the precarious state of sports clubs within Ecuador, where financial management and obligations can severely impact operations. According to Gabriel Borja, the attorney representing Oviedo, the company tasked with financial management, NEF, failed to meet commitments made the previous week, further complicating the club's already challenging financial landscape. This situation raises concerns about the future viability of El Nacional and similar institutions that play vital roles in their communities and sports culture in Ecuador.