Four Clubs Race Against the Clock to Meet U-19 Rule for 2026 Apertura

With the final round of the 2026 Torneo Apertura approaching, four clubs still need to fulfill the minutes requirement for U-19 players, facing a fine of 1 billion guaranis and a three-point deduction.

Quatro clubes correm contra o relógio para cumprir regra Sub-19 no Apertura 2026
Quatro clubes correm contra o relógio para cumprir regra Sub-19 no Apertura 2026

The 2026 Torneo Apertura reaches its final round with four clubs still in debt to the rule requiring at least one player born on or after January 1, 2007, to play a total of 900 minutes on the field throughout the championship. The measure, aimed at promoting the development of young athletes, has already been met by eight teams: Cerro Porteño, Libertad, Trinidense, Olimpia, Guaraní, Nacional, Recoleta, and San Lorenzo.

The teams that still need to reach the mark are Sportivo Ameliano (19 minutes remaining), Rubio Ñu (36 minutes), Sportivo 2 de Mayo (58 minutes), and Sportivo Luqueño (62 minutes). Non-compliance results in a fine of 1 billion guaranis and a three-point deduction in the standings.

The situation places additional pressure on these teams in the final stretch of the tournament, which could determine not only positions in the table but also the financial and disciplinary future of the clubs.