Controversy in Argentine refereeing over a nepotism case involving Beligoy

Since Federico Beligoy became the National Director of Refereeing and General Secretary of the Argentine Association of Referees (AAA), he has been involved in many controversies related to certain management practices and alleged match-fixing. However, recently a new controversy has emerged that directly involves him and some of his relatives.

Sebastián Martínez Beligoy, his nephew, and Julián Beligoy, his son, recently debuted as professional referees and their short careers show signs that Federico intervened to benefit them and to ensure they had meteoric rises.

Before starting and to provide context, a referee typically takes between 5 and 8 years to reach the First Division, more commonly between 7 and 8. That said, it is clear that the following situations are, at the very least, questionable.

The first one pointed out is the nephew of the official, who began officiating in 2021, specifically in a match between UAI Urquiza and San Miguel in the Primera B Metropolitana, the third division of Argentine soccer. The following year, he moved up a level and officiated 13 matches in the Primera B Nacional, but that was not all, as he also debuted in the First Division on matchday 27 in the game between Unión de Santa Fe and Central Córdoba, the only one he officiated in the top category in 2022.

With just 4 years of experience, he was recently named an international referee and, so far in 2025, he has officiated 9 matches, all in the top category, and was appointed to officiate the round of 32 match of the Copa Argentina between River and Ciudad Bolívar in Santiago del Estero.

Meanwhile, his son has even more controversial promotions than Sebastián. In 2023, he debuted in Primera D, in a match between Centro Español and Juventud Unida, and a year later he was the fourth referee in the Primera B Metropolitana and also in the B Nacional, rising 4 categories in just one year.

However, the most scandalous was his latest promotion. On February 19 of this year, he debuted as the main referee in the third category, in the match between Fénix and Villa San Carlos, with just 2 years of experience. If he continues like this, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in 2026, or earlier, officiating a first division match.

These situations could indicate a clear case of nepotism, where Federico Beligoy, through his influence and weight in the referees' associations and the AFA, benefits his relatives so they can ascend more quickly through the divisions of Argentine soccer and, in the not-too-distant future, become prominent figures who continue his legacy.