The president of the governing body of Argentine football made a public reappearance, defended his continuity, replied to criticism, and taunted Verón
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In a climate filled with internal and external questioning, Claudio "Chiqui" Tapiaonce again burst onto the public scene to deliver a series of statements that reshaped the power struggle in Argentine soccer. Meanwhile, criticism is mounting outside over the invented annual title for Rosario Central and clashes with sectors of the national government are multiplying, the president of the AFA tried to appear solid and supported.
During the Alumni Awards ceremony, the first sign of firmness came with a message aimed at those who question the continuity of his leadership. "Three presidents have come and gone in just nine years that I've had to preside over, and I have many more years ahead," he warned. He added: "When my term ends, those who want to run will have the opportunity to do so." With those words, he made it clear that his legitimacy, according to him, lies in the leadership vote: "People from outside don't vote for me; Argentine soccer leaders vote for me."
Tapia cree que se quedará por mucho tiempo en la AFA
Later, although he did not mention him directly, Tapia also replied to Juan Sebastián Verón with a jab that further raised the temperature. "Some people forget they played two days before Barracas Central and were out of the play-offs. Because Huracán didn't win nor did Belgrano qualify, and today they're fighting for the tournament. This is Argentine soccer," he said, aiming without naming him at the president of Estudiantes de La Plata.
Tapia also tried to convey a call for calm amid the ongoing verbal confrontation: "Fights are fought from within, not from outside. The only ones who give value to Argentine soccer are players, coaches, and leaders."
The support of allied leaders
While the head of AFA was heating up the day with forceful statements, in another setting institutional support was being consolidated. Representatives from some clubs confirmed their support. One of them was Marcelo Achile, president of Defensores de Belgrano, who spoke with a direct message against what he described as "media attacks." "We're all behind this leadership. What is said in the media is immeasurable. Let them say what they want, because they neither understand the rules nor the passion," he stated.
Dirigentes de varios clubes expresaron su apoyo a Tapia
In addition, the leaders present emphasized that unity is essential in the current context: "In order not to sell our history and our idiosyncrasy, we needed this expression. No matter which government comes," another leader said, summarizing the general mood.
Parallel to the ceremony, clubs from various divisions of Argentine soccer, suspiciously coordinated, publicly expressed their support for Chiqui Tapia and his administration through their official social media accounts. Are these business deals or did they do it out of fear? Only time will tell.
