Deportivo Saprissa Withdraws from Costa Rican Women's Football: A Strategic Decision Amidst Challenges
Saprissa's departure from the women's league sparks discussions about the state and future of women's football in Costa Rica.
On January 9, 2025, Deportivo Saprissa, one of Costa Rica's prominent football clubs, announced its withdrawal from the premiere division of women's football.
Gustavo Chinchilla, the club's general manager, addressed the criticisms following this decision, emphasizing it was made to promote the growth of women's football in the country rather than due to financial concerns or lack of interest.
The club's announcement highlighted issues within the league's structure.
Discussions had already taken place the previous year, involving key figures such as Víctor Alfaro of the Federation and Osael Maroto.
Despite initial agreements to reduce the league size from eight to six teams, inconsistencies in regulatory decisions occurred.
For example, the team Pococí was relegated then immediately reinstated, and similar decisions affected league positions.
Saprissa's exit led to Carmelita's ascension from the third position of the second division.
Chinchilla acknowledged a broader crisis in women's football, citing declining match attendance and reduced sponsor support as concerning indicators.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, while general participation rebounded, women's football did not see similar recovery, influencing Saprissa's decision.
In response to these challenges, Saprissa is advocating for strategic sessions aimed at restructuring the competitive and commercial model of the women's league.
The club remains engaged in discussions with the Federation's president, Osael Maroto, to reflect on the league’s future and establish working groups committed to addressing the football system's current issues.
While the club supports its departing players, providing a two-month transition aid as they negotiate new contracts, the situation highlights the amateur status of the division.
An important point remains the movement of Saprissa's under-15, under-17, and elite players who are being approached by other teams.
Saprissa's decision is part of an ongoing dialogue with football authorities.
Over the past year, conversations have aimed to generate actionable plans addressing women's football's challenges.
There is an anticipation for upcoming meetings led by the Federation, where concrete steps are expected to be outlined to revitalize and support the sport in Costa Rica, ensuring its sustainable development.
Gustavo Chinchilla, the club's general manager, addressed the criticisms following this decision, emphasizing it was made to promote the growth of women's football in the country rather than due to financial concerns or lack of interest.
The club's announcement highlighted issues within the league's structure.
Discussions had already taken place the previous year, involving key figures such as Víctor Alfaro of the Federation and Osael Maroto.
Despite initial agreements to reduce the league size from eight to six teams, inconsistencies in regulatory decisions occurred.
For example, the team Pococí was relegated then immediately reinstated, and similar decisions affected league positions.
Saprissa's exit led to Carmelita's ascension from the third position of the second division.
Chinchilla acknowledged a broader crisis in women's football, citing declining match attendance and reduced sponsor support as concerning indicators.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, while general participation rebounded, women's football did not see similar recovery, influencing Saprissa's decision.
In response to these challenges, Saprissa is advocating for strategic sessions aimed at restructuring the competitive and commercial model of the women's league.
The club remains engaged in discussions with the Federation's president, Osael Maroto, to reflect on the league’s future and establish working groups committed to addressing the football system's current issues.
While the club supports its departing players, providing a two-month transition aid as they negotiate new contracts, the situation highlights the amateur status of the division.
An important point remains the movement of Saprissa's under-15, under-17, and elite players who are being approached by other teams.
Saprissa's decision is part of an ongoing dialogue with football authorities.
Over the past year, conversations have aimed to generate actionable plans addressing women's football's challenges.
There is an anticipation for upcoming meetings led by the Federation, where concrete steps are expected to be outlined to revitalize and support the sport in Costa Rica, ensuring its sustainable development.
