A World Cup qualifier between Costa Rica and Nicaragua descended into chaos before kick-off of their local derby on Tuesday.
Nicaragua, who were visiting their neighbouring country, saw their pre-match preparation ripped up as police officers stormed their dressing room.
According to Spanish outlet CR HOY, nine officers entered the room with an arrest warrant for one unnamed player.
Law enforcement officers were reportedly asked by a child support plaintiff to arrest the player.
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However, the police did not detain the player, with an agreement being reached for a sum to be paid after the match concluded. It is not clear if the player in question took any part in Nicaragua’s defeat against their local rivals on the day.
Public Force director Marlon Cubillo told CR HOY: "We were asked by a child support plaintiff, who presented us with a court order to detain a member of the Nicaraguan delegation.
An unknown Nicaragua player had an arrest warrant issued prior to their World Cup qualifier clash with Costa Rica
|REUTERS
"The delegation was informed, the amount for which the order was issued was paid, and a report was sent to the pension judge."
The ordeal left the Nicaragua Football Federation fuming, with the organisation releasing a statement later in the day.
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Nicaragua team director Javier Salinas described the act as 'shameful'
|REUTERS
“This action, which included the presence of at least nine police officers intent on making an arrest, generated an atmosphere of tension, confusion and instability for both the player and the entire squad,” the statement read.
“We want to state for the record that the national team has been in Costa Rican territory since last Saturday night, that the competent authorities have been fully aware of the identity and whereabouts of all the players for three consecutive days, and that they even participated in the security meeting held this morning.
“It is therefore unacceptable and unjustifiable that the police and judicial action was carried out just minutes before the start of the sporting event, directly affecting the concentration and performance of the national team.
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“FENIFUT demands that this incident be investigated by the competent sports authorities and by FIFA itself, and that the necessary measures be taken to ensure that situations like this never happen again in the context of an official competition.”
Team director Javier Salinas said: "We've been in Costa Rica for more than 48 hours, so why do they have to report to the locker room?
"We will lodge this complaint with FIFA and CONCACAF. It's shameful that this is happening."
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Costa Rica won the game 4-1, all but confirming their place in next year's World Cup
|REUTERS
While things were chaotic off the field, it got no better on the grass for the visitors.
The Blue and White suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of local rivals Costa Rica, leaving their hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time in their history in tatters.
Concacaf World Cup qualifiers had been left wide open for next summer’s tournament, with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting, meaning they automatically qualify.
The three aforementioned nations being excluded from qualifying rounds gave an opportunity to other Central American or Caribbean countries to make a rare appearance at the prestigious tournament.
Costa Rica’s victory on Tuesday leaves their return to the World Cup all but confirmed. The Ticos have featured at all World Cups in the 21st century, except in 2010.