Barcelona SC wins CAS dispute and faces domestic challenges

Barcelona Sporting Club is facing a complex period characterized by legal victories, regulatory disputes, and poor on-field performance.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of the Ecuadorian club in a dispute against the Mexican side Santos Laguna regarding the economic rights of defender Félix Torres. Barcelona SC is expected to receive approximately $1 million following the transfer of Torres to Corinthians in Brazil, resolving a claim initiated after Santos Laguna failed to meet payment terms.

On the pitch, the club is experiencing its worst campaign since the LigaPro adopted a 16-team format in 2019. After 23 matchdays in the 2026 season, the team has accumulated only 35 points, a record low for this stage of the competition in the last eight years.

Additionally, legal tensions have arisen in the Copa Ecuador. Despite a 1-0 victory over Liga de Portoviejo, Barcelona SC has filed a formal complaint regarding the alleged improper lineup of Dalo Bucaram Jr., citing a violation of the 72-hour regulation required to enable new players. Conversely, Liga de Portoviejo has also filed a counter-claim regarding the eligibility of Érick Mendoza.