The tension between José Luis Félix Chilavert and Oscar Ruggeri is almost an extra-football classic that has lasted for decades. Their differences date back to the mid-1990s, when during a match between Vélez and San Lorenzo at the Amalfitani, the famous kick that "Cabezón" tried to deliver to the Paraguayan goalkeeper was recorded. Since then, the rivalry has never dissipated and, over time, it moved from the playing field to the realm of discourse.
Over the years, Chilavert has positioned himself as an outspoken critic of football power, especially of CONMEBOL and AFA. Ruggeri, meanwhile, usually aligns himself with president Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia and with the decisions made at Viamonte 1366. This stance of the world champion was reinforced in recent days when he criticized Estudiantes de La Plata for forming the guard of honor with their backs to Rosario Central and for his presence in Asunción during the final of the Copa Sudamericana and celebrated Lanús's title together with the leadership of Argentine football, including its mafia president.
Amid the controversies currently surrounding AFA, in a conversation with TN, the former Paraguayan national team goalkeeper reignited the controversy by referring to the recognition given to Rosario Central as the best team of the annual table.
For Chilavert, the decision lacks sporting merit: "I really can't understand it. I understand it from the point of view of wanting to help their friends, in this case Di María and Belloso, who was Director of Development of Corrupbol (as he calls CONMEBOL) and when Rosario Central became champion he thanked Tapia and Toviggino. They made a huge mistake and I want to express my solidarity with the people of Estudiantes de La Plata, matches must be won by playing".
