HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Costa Rica Players Dropped After Shooting Incident

ESPN Soccer •
×

Three Costa Rica players, including Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas and Nashville SC's Warren Madrigal, have been dropped from national team duties after an alleged shooting incident. Alejandro Bran's car was struck by bullets during an altercation outside a San José bar, leading to police investigation.

The Costa Rica Football Federation removed all three players for upcoming friendlies against Colombia on June 1 and England on June 10. LD Alajuelense also separated Bran and Vargas from the club, citing violation of institutional principles.

Costa Rica failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and appointed Fernando Batista as coach in March. This disciplinary crisis adds uncertainty to Batista's rebuilding project as he prepares the team for future tournaments through 2030.