TLDR
- Alianza FC beat San Miguelito 3-2 in a match now under investigation for alleged match-fixing in Panama
- San Miguelito goalkeeper José Calderón scored a suspicious own goal in the final minutes of the game
- Teammate Gustavo Herrera publicly accused Calderón of being a match-fixer in a video message
- Calderón denied the allegations and called the own goal an unintentional sporting error
- The Liga Panameña de Fútbol has opened a formal investigation and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on match-fixing
Football in Panama is facing a corruption crisis after a league match between Alianza FC and San Miguelito ended in controversy. The game finished 3-2 in favor of Alianza FC, but what happened in the closing minutes has triggered a formal investigation.
The trouble started with a late own goal scored by San Miguelito goalkeeper José Calderón. The manner in which the goal occurred raised immediate suspicion among fans, commentators, and even his own teammates.
The play looked unnatural to many who watched it. The timing and execution of the own goal in the dying minutes of a close match drew widespread attention across Panamanian football circles.
Teammate Goes Public With Match-Fixing Accusation
What made the situation escalate was the reaction from Calderón’s own teammate. Gustavo Herrera did not hold back his frustration after the match and took the unusual step of publicly calling out his goalkeeper.
Herrera posted a video message in which he directly named Calderón as a match-fixer. “Fixers, leave football,” Herrera said in the clip.
He went further, stating that “the love for football is carried in the heart, but many have lost it. I am speaking by name: José Calderón is a match-fixer, and he is not the only one.”
Herrera also questioned what kind of example this sets for younger players coming through the ranks. He pointed out that Calderón is an experienced player who once represented Panama at the national level.
“Aren’t you ashamed? You’re doing it openly now,” Herrera said. He added that many players work hard to progress and achieve their dreams, making the alleged corruption all the more damaging.
The public nature of the accusation from a current teammate is rare in professional football. It brought immediate national attention to the case.
Calderón Denies Wrongdoing as League Investigates
Calderón responded with an official statement. He apologized for the play but firmly denied any involvement in match-fixing.
“I express my sincere apologies and fully assume responsibility for what was strictly a sporting and unintentional error,” Calderón said.
He added that he “categorically rejects any attempt to link this action to conduct contrary to the integrity of the sport.”
The Liga Panameña de Fútbol moved quickly in response. The league opened a formal investigation into the match and the allegations surrounding it.
Officials said the league operates under a “zero tolerance” policy toward match-fixing. They stated that such conduct “undermines the credibility, fairness, and fundamental values of football.”
The league also said it is working with its Integrity Office and Disciplinary Commission to handle the case. Officials emphasized that Panama addresses integrity challenges in football “with determination and concrete actions.”
The investigation is ongoing. No formal sanctions or charges have been announced as of May 5, 2026.
