Rodolfo D'Onofrio supported River's return to the AFA and questioned the 30-team tournament and the refereeing

After months of absence, River returned to occupy a place in the meetings of the Executive Committee of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the return has already generated repercussions within the club. In this context, Rodolfo D’Onofrio participated in the institution's solidarity dinner and supported the stance adopted by the management, although he took the opportunity to highlight his differences with some aspects of Argentine football.

The former president of Millonario emphasized that the return to AFA should not be understood as a confrontation, but as a way to express the club's proposals. "River is not going to fight. What it did is give an opinion that is what we feel inside River. We said to do things as we do in River. There is nothing wrong with presenting a different opinion; if we couldn't fight, we would be in trouble", he stated.

In that same vein, D’Onofrio maintained: "Everyone can express their opinion, knowing that a majority decides. We will continue to present until we achieve a majority. You should never give up".

Criticism of Argentine football and referees

One of the main criticisms from the former official was directed at the current format of the competitions. While he praised the work of the Argentine National Team and emphasized that his stance does not seek to attack the AFA, he was critical of the number of teams and existing tournaments. "The Argentine championship of 30 does not work, it is not useful to anyone", he concluded.

Additionally, D’Onofrio questioned the proliferation of competitions and cited an international cup that, in his view, does not meet that designation. "Eight cups, are we making the world happy? I have many gray hairs, in my time there was one championship, then the Argentine Cup and then the championship was divided into two. When I hear there is an international cup. Let's not invent cups", he expressed.

Another point he addressed was refereeing. For the former president of the Núñez club, referees must have independence from the authorities that run Argentine football. "Referees are justice, and they must be independent; they cannot depend on the politics of the Executive Committee, they must be regulated, have rewards and punishments, ratings", he stated.

The present of River and support for Ponzio

Beyond his criticisms of the organization of Argentine football, D’Onofrio also spoke about River's current sports situation and called for patience with the team, which is going through an irregular moment.

"We need to have balance and composure; I have a lot of confidence in these players and I believe in them", he affirmed. He also explained that several of the reinforcements arrived without having completed a full preseason and considered that this factor also influences performance.

In this regard, the former president called for support from the fans and stated: "To the River fans, I say that I want to win, but I believe in them. Let's give it time and let them feel that we are with them, that they are seeking the result. Let's not get angry because we need to give them time to achieve it".

Regarding the present of Millonario, D’Onofrio also referred to Leonardo Ponzio, the current coach of the team, and highlighted the characteristics that, in his opinion, prepared him to take on the role. "I believe in him; he has several qualities, he was the team captain, I saw him, he discussed contracts with me, I know how he fights for it", he assured. He also emphasized his personality and football knowledge: "He is healthy, very healthy, and he is a person who has won me over; he has 17 cups. Total respect, and he knows football; he proved it to me as captain and has other qualities".