Soccer in Ecuador has been shaken by a wave of violence tied to illegal betting and drug cartels. The most recent tragedy was the murder of Jonathan González, a former Independiente del Valle star, who had been threatened by mafias to throw a match. Just days earlier, two other players, Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yepez, were also killed.

Police are investigating, but the pattern is clear — organized crime is sinking its teeth deeper into Ecuadorian soccer. Low-paid second-division players are especially vulnerable, facing bribes, threats, and even gunpoint intimidation to fix games. Once you give in, experts say, there’s no way out.

The issue goes beyond players. Cartels have reportedly been laundering money through clubs, and even top names like Enner Valencia admit they’re scared to return home. With Ecuador now a major hub for cocaine trafficking, mafias linked to groups from Mexico, Italy, and Albania see soccer as the perfect front — and betting as their cash cow.

The result: Ecuador, once considered one of Latin America’s safest countries, is now dealing with deadly violence that’s touching every corner of life, including the nation’s most beloved sport.