Scandal at Independiente: audio leaked accusing Seoane of 'secret agreement'

A new scandal hits Independiente, and this time a heavyweight from the Board of Directors is at the center: Daniel Seoane. In recent hours, a recording attributed to journalist Renato Della Paolera has gone viral, in which he accuses the General Secretary of El Rojo of closing an "off-the-record" deal with the Atomik brand to replace Puma as technical sponsor.

"I said it on air to try to bring it down, they told me he settled his own deal," can be heard, pointing to an alleged personal arrangement between Seoane and the apparel company. "They're buddies from the neighborhood, we have to bring him down, people should start attacking him for being with that brand," the audio continues, suggesting ties between the club's general secretary and Atomik's owner, who allegedly live in the same gated community.

To conclude, the recording claims: "Marketing was negotiating with the people from Puma, and he went off on his own, off the record, it's a disgrace. They want people to believe this brand is giving three times more money than Puma."

The board's response: internal rumors and contract details

From El Rojo's Board of Directors, they categorically denied the story and pointed to "some people on the inside," attributing the leak to an "internal payback."

They confirmed that there are formal talks with Atomik led by president Néstor Grindetti, and that they are advanced, with representatives from the brand even visiting the club's facilities. According to official sources, Atomik's offer improves on Puma's by 50%, includes a 6-year contract, 35% advance in dollars upon signing, and increases the annual stock to 24,000 jerseys plus 20,000 for the club's official stores.

Legally, Puma will have priority until August 1 to match the proposal. If it doesn't, Atomik would become the new technical sponsor, something that currently seems unlikely.

Tensions between the board and Puma have worsened due to the mistreatment that Independiente accuses: lack of stock, little advertising at the facilities, and the absence of club players in official campaigns.

What is Atomik and its connection to soccer

Atomik is an Argentine brand of sportswear and footwear, with a strong presence in the children's segment, which recently added apparel for adults. This year, it signed its first soccer contract with San Lorenzo: four years in exchange for an initial one million dollars, royalties, and the manufacture of 190,000 garments per year.

Its owner is Martín Gándara, a businessman and fan of El Ciclón, although at Independiente, negotiations are being led by Luis Britos, the brand's soccer manager.