Alianza Lima confronts referee dispute and goalkeeper turnover amid Clausura lead

Alianza Lima, a top club in Peru's Liga 1, is leading the Torneo Clausura 2026 after two wins and a draw. Following a match against Comerciantes Unidos, a controversial non‑penalty call by referee Augusto Menéndez and VAR prompted a group of supporters led by Julio Lozano Hernández to file a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor against the refereeing trio, the national refereeing committee (CONAR) and the Peruvian Football Federation president Agustín Lozano. Coach Pablo Guede said it was inappropriate to sue the federation and referees, and the club issued a statement distancing itself from the complaint, citing FIFA article 51 that bars ordinary courts from settling sporting disputes.

The club also dealt with a goalkeeper change as Bolivian keeper Guillermo Viscarra left in search of playing time. Alianza Lima will rely on Alejandro Duarte and Ángel de la Cruz, and the coaching staff has spoken with the Franco brothers about possible signings such as Pedro Galles and Carlos Cáceda, though Guede said he is not worried whether a new keeper arrives.