Cristian Malaspina, president of the Argentine football club Argentinos Juniors, addressed the controversy surrounding midfielder Matías Lugo's failure to be registered in time for Barcelona SC ahead of the Copa Libertadores. The issue arose after the international transfer certificate (CTI) for Lugo was not submitted to the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) in a timely manner by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), rendering the player ineligible to compete. This situation has sparked suspicions of foul play, with claims that Argentinos Juniors may have deliberately delayed the transfer to gain an advantage.

Malaspina vehemently denied these allegations, expressing his frustration that such accusations tarnish the reputation of his club. He clarified that Argentinos Juniors had completed the necessary paperwork and sent the signed contract to Barcelona SC as early as February 2. He mentioned that the issue arose when Barcelona SC notified them about a mistake in the transfer that needed correction. The club corrected the error, but the timing of the actions led to questions about the entire transfer process.

In response to the situation, Malaspina emphasized the importance of transparency and responsibility in football transfer dealings. His statements underline the broader implications of transfer mistakes, not just for the clubs involved but for the integrity of competitions like the Copa Libertadores. As clubs increasingly navigate complex international transfers, clear communication and adherence to timelines become crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure fair play.