Scandal in San Lorenzo: Marcelo Moretti took a leave of absence due to alleged bribes

San Lorenzo was at the center of controversy after Canal 9 broadcast a hidden camera showing President Marcelo Moretti receiving $25,000, money that was allegedly given as part of a supposed bribe to sign a youth player in the club's lower divisions.

Few hours after speaking on TyC Sports, where he defended his actions, Moretti requested a leave from his position, amid the confirmation of an open file by AFA and a criminal complaint against him.

Moretti's leave and the official statement

Near midnight, it was Moretti himself who communicated the decision through his X account, making clear the reasons for his temporary departure.

"In order to exercise a legitimate and free defense both judicially and in the media and to protect the institution from the events attributed to me, starting tomorrow I will take a leave from my position as president of Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro," published the president of the Ciclón.

He then added: "I will present myself first thing in the morning both in ordinary justice and in the club's Ethics and Discipline Tribunal to prove my absolute innocence. I take this leave so that justice can investigate with absolute calm and transparency. San Lorenzo is above everything and everyone."

Internal and AFA pressures

The decision was made in the context of a hectic day for the blaugrana leadership, in which the official bloc met at the stadium to analyze how to proceed. It was reported that from AFA they had formally asked Moretti to take a 90-day leave, and they gave him until Wednesday to formalize it, seeking to ease the institutional crisis.

Meanwhile, within the club they also considered pushing for a similar request, although they decided to postpone any decision until the arrival of Vice President Néstor Navarro, scheduled for Thursday.

He was even more emphatic in stating: "How am I going to request leave for something I didn't do? Why would I request leave? I don't know or did anything, there is no kind of guilt. I don't have to explain to anyone because I did nothing wrong."

Navarro, the temporary successor

With Moretti's leave, the club's leadership will pass to Néstor Navarro, who will only arrive in the country on Thursday, as he resides in Punta del Este, Uruguay. Despite being vice president, he is not usually present in the club's daily life, which has caused criticism from opposition sectors.

In December of last year, Navarro assumed a key role by taking control of the Football Department after the breakup between Moretti and Néstor Ortigoza, who was later accused of gender violence. He also participated in the club's economic reorganization process.

A leader with a business background

Prior to the 2023 elections, Navarro had no leadership background in San Lorenzo. His career had developed in the private sector, especially in the livestock industry. However, he joined the winning list "Boedo en Acción" as first vice president, accompanying Moretti in the victory that obtained 36% of the votes.

During 2024 he maintained a low profile, although he contributed financially to the club. Living outside the country, he only participated in one Board of Directors meeting, something that was used by the opposition as an argument to question his level of commitment. From now on, everything indicates that he will take a central role in the blaugrana management.

Moretti had denied the leave request

The decision to step aside temporarily contrasts with the statements Moretti had made hours earlier on television, when he absolutely ruled out that possibility. "I have nothing to do with it, I did nothing wrong. I have a completely clear conscience," the leader clarified.