Edwin Oviedo’s Concerns
Edwin Oviedo, the former owner of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF), has raised serious concerns about the leadership of the current president, Agustín Lozano. Oviedo suggests that Lozano’s actions prioritize personal power over the genuine advancement of Peruvian football.
In a recent conversation with radio Successful, Oviedo expressed dismay at Lozano’s focus on maintaining his position rather than fostering a sustainable future for the sport. He highlighted the stagnation seen in the national teams, particularly the under-20 and under-15 squads, as evidence of inadequate planning and foresight.
Regrets Over Past Initiatives
Reflecting on his own tenure, Oviedo lamented the dismantling of growth projects that he had initiated during his leadership. He contrasted his phased approach to development with what he described as Lozano’s lack of vision, saying, “The only thing they are thinking about is how to stay in office.”
The Influence of Personal Interests
Oviedo posits that personal interests overshadow the greater good of the football community. He stated, “What was on track has dismantled everything that had been built with professional people in each area.” This reflection underscores the extent to which he believes the current administration has deviated from its mission to strengthen Peruvian football.
Challenges for Future Leadership
Agustín Lozano stepped into the presidency of the FPF in December 2018, following Oviedo’s arrest for corruption. Despite Lozano’s current role, Oviedo remains hopeful about returning to a leadership position to restore the prestige of the national team.
“Today what we see is a total regression,” he lamented, pointing out the decline in the FIFA rankings as a troubling sign. “We have gone backwards in the way the FPF is being managed, where there is no plan; we do not see a compass.”
Desire to Return
Oviedo affirmed his strong desire to contribute to the national team again, stating, “It would be an honor for me to work for our team again.” He also highlighted the concerning departure of former coach Ricardo Gareca, questioning the need to replace a successful technical team.
His perspectives on recent leadership decisions point to underlying issues that must be addressed for the future of Peruvian football. With unresolved challenges and a call for rejuvenation, the conversation around the FPF and its leadership remains pivotal for fans and players alike.