More than deserved: a Peronist paddle player was removed from the National Team for an antisemitic comment

What was supposed to be a reason for celebration ended up causing a strong controversy surrounding the Argentinian Padel Team. Florencia Guerra Sodero had been called up to represent the country in the 2026 Pan American Open for Free Categories of Padel to be held in Asunción, Paraguay, but was excluded from the delegation after making a post with antisemitic content on her social media.

The player, who clarified that she is a "fascist Peronist", shared a message on Instagram to celebrate her call-up and, in the midst of a request for her followers to participate in a poll, listed various groups of people she invited to vote. However, she ended with a phrase directed against the Jewish community: "There is no distinction (except Jews: you are not welcome)".

The content generated a rapid backlash and strong questioning on social media. In light of this situation, the Argentinian Padel Association (APA) decided to temporarily remove her from the team that will participate in the international event, scheduled between October 21 and 24, and "initiate the disciplinary procedure provided in the FIP Disciplinary Code, in which the player will be able to fully exercise her right to defense".

Through a statement, the entity expressed that it "categorically condemns the antisemitic expressions disseminated on social media from the personal accounts of player Florencia Guerra Sodero". In the same text, the APA emphasized that "antisemitism, and any form of discrimination based on religious, ethnic, or origin grounds, is incompatible with the values of sport and with the rules governing our activity".

Additionally, it reminded that the Code of Conduct of the International Padel Federation (FIP), of which it is a founding member, obliges those involved in the discipline to respect the rights of others "without distinction of religion or ethnic origin" and to avoid any type of abusive language, even through social media.

The association also emphasized the responsibility that comes with representing the country and stated: "The representation of Argentina also requires the utmost respect for the dignity of individuals. Those who express themselves against these principles cannot, at the same time, invoke the national jersey".

Following all the backlash generated by her comments, Guerra Sodero deleted her Instagram account. According to various media reports, previous content published on other social media platforms was also no longer available, including a message of similar characteristics against the Jewish community.

The situation also prompted the intervention of the Delegation of Argentine Israelite Associations (DAIA). The organization valued the decision made by the APA and stated that "antisemitism and any form of discrimination are incompatible with the values of sport and with the dignity of individuals".

As the disciplinary process moves forward, the player has been excluded from the delegation that will travel to Paraguay. The APA, for its part, reaffirmed "its commitment to an inclusive sport" and expressed its solidarity with the Jewish community and with those who may have felt affected or offended by what occurred.