The Argentine Football Association (AFA) faces a storm of criticism over controversial refereeing decisions, violence in lower leagues, and administrative rulings like the 'desk' title awarded to Rosario Central. Leaders like Claudio Tapia defend local refereeing, while treasurer Pablo Toviggino sharply rebuked Spanish La Liga president Javier Tebas for his disparaging remarks. Despite the national team's success, Argentine football exposes deep internal and economic tensions.
In a week marked by tensions, Argentine football has been the scene of multiple controversies under Claudio Tapia's presidency at the AFA. A key episode occurred in the match between Barracas Central and Huracán, where referee Andrés Gariano awarded two penalties via VAR against the 'Globo', ending in a 1-1 draw. Coach Frank Kudelka, seeking explanations, received the referee's retort: “Vamos a hablar y te voy a romper todo”, sparking widespread suspicions. Kudelka resigned shortly after.
In lower leagues, the Primera Nacional semifinal between Deportivo Madryn and Deportivo Morón turned violent: shoves, shouts, and police using pepper spray on visiting players, preventing a fair sporting advancement.
The controversy escalated with the 'desk' decision granting the Liga Champion title to Rosario Central, Ángel Di María's club, based on their annual table position. This surprised executives, and Estudiantes de La Plata publicly criticized it on X, drawing AFA retorts. Mendoza Governor Alfredo Cornejo denounced the disorganization: “El fútbol argentino pasa por un pésimo momento. Está tapado por el éxito de la Selección, que es una cucarda que nos encanta, pero no puede ocultar la mala organización del torneo”.
Javier Tebas, president of Spain's La Liga, expressed pity for Argentine football's state, referring to Central's title: “Me da pena... Hay muchísimas posibilidades y algo se está haciendo mal”. AFA Treasurer Pablo Toviggino replied on social media: “REDONDITO !! Sos un Atrevido e irrespetuoso de la Dirigencia Argentina. Pero cuando quieras vení por aquí que Nicolás Russo en el Club Atlético Lanús (Asoc. Civil) puede darte clases ‘gratuitamente’, un término que no conoces !! EL FÚTBOL ARGENTINO DE PIE !! Felicitaciones Club Lanús”.
Tapia, at the Olé Summit, backed the referees: “Tan malo el arbitraje argentino no es. Estoy convencido”, noting three local referees preparing for the next World Cup. Economically, a Sport Insider report shows Argentina outside the top 10 markets, with average club revenues at 30-35 million euros, concentrated in Boca and River (over 50%), and 60% from player sales. Players like Tomás Guidara sum up the mood: “Te tenés que callar… si hablás, te perjudican…”.