2024-10-07 16:48:54
Between next Thursday, October 17 and Saturday, October 19, two assemblies will outline a good part of the future direction of Argentine soccer. In those seventy-two key hours, on Thursday the 17th, the General Assembly of the AFA will extend by acclamation the mandate of its president Claudio Tapia until October 2028 and in the same way will eliminate the two relegations planned for this year to the First National with the purpose that in 2025 there will be thirty teams in the highest category.
Two days later, under the stands of the stadium at 1 and 57, The head of Estudiantes de La Plata, Juan Sebastián Verón, will explain for the first time in public to the members of the institution the scope of the agreement that he is negotiating with the American investor Foster Gillet so that he can provide the club with a capital contribution of around 150 million dollars.
Everything must be read against the background of the fight for the establishment of sports corporations. The re-election of Tapia, the removal of relegations and the championship of thirty clubs for next year are intended to expand the political support base of the president of the AFA and not leave anyone out or dissatisfied. With those loyal and with those who align themselves with him, Tapia is generous, he gives them what they ask for. And since no one wants to go to relegation, what better way than to once again take that weight off the leaders who follow them.
The modification of the regulations on the fly and based on momentary conveniences is part of the AFA president’s political style.. Those who are embarrassed because at desks sometimes they get more advantages than on the fields, only do so in a low voice. In public, next week they will vote on the changes with both arms raised. The governability of the system demands this thickening and Tapia will gladly grant it.
Two days after this resounding endorsement, Verón will show his face in Estudiantes and will anticipate the general guidelines of a project that plans to be signed with pomp and circumstance in the month of November. And that some members do not finish digesting. Estudiantes will not cease to be a non-profit civil association. And that has been made very clear. But it will incorporate Gillet as a strategic partner that will put a fortune on the table to strengthen the professional team, roof and close the stadium, improve the social and sports infrastructure of the City Bell country and build three recruitment centers for children and youth players in the south of Greater Buenos Aires.
By contract, fifteen percent of the American tycoon’s investment (something like 22 of the 150 million) It would be used for social and cultural purposes. Thus, none of the institution’s extra-football activities would appear to be at risk. In order to do all this, Estudiantes will not be part of the next AFA Executive Committee. The two models are incompatible and next week they will make it clear again after seventy-two hours that will be key to anticipating what is coming to Argentine football.