Bolivian Football Federation suspends Aurora match referees over VAR controversy

The National Referee Commission of the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF) indefinitely suspended referee Guildo Quenta, VAR officials Julio Gutiérrez and Roger Basualdo, and quality‑manager David Limachi after a disputed VAR decision in the Aurora vs. Nacional Potosí match on 9 July. The officials were found responsible for procedural and interpretation errors that led to the annulment of Aurora’s goal, a decision that altered the 0‑2 result and cost Aurora a chance to lead the championship, leaving the team in third place. The commission, chaired by José Jordán, cited “error of interpretation and appreciation,” “error of procedure and interpretation,” and “lack of quality in evidence submitted.” Aurora’s players, staff and club president Jaime Cornejo Parra publicly criticised the officiating, prompting the swift sanction aimed at restoring confidence in Bolivian refereeing.

The suspensions remain in force pending further review and possible additional sanctions, while the federation indicated the measures are intended to improve VAR protocols and referee training across the professional division.