Carlos Mahiques' recusal from the tribunal overseeing the investigation of a luxury property linked to AFA officials has been accepted by his peers, but there is no consensus on his replacement.
In the Federal Criminal Cassation Court of Argentina, judges have accepted the resignation of Carlos Mahiques from the bench responsible for adjudicating a controversial case concerning the owners of a lavish estate in Pilar worth 20 million dollars. This estate has been awarded to officials of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), raising questions about the integrity of the proceedings. Mahiques, who recently celebrated his birthday at the estate in question, cited an increased workload in other departments and the need to secure his continuation as a judge in the Senate as reasons for his departure.
The meeting convened all judges of the Cassation Court, where they decided on Mahiques' withdrawal but failed to reach a consensus on who will succeed him. This lack of agreement indicates deeper rifts within the court, particularly in light of ongoing internal disputes regarding judicial appointments and influence within the judicial system. The judges will revisit this decision on Thursday, which suggests that the proceedings may face further delays.
The case itself is significant, not only in terms of the property involved but also because it underscores the potential corruption and mismanagement within sports governance in Argentina, particularly concerning the AFA. The opacity around the ownership of such valuable assets raises concerns about accountability and the interactions between sports officials and the judicial system. As the court continues to navigate these challenges, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Argentine football governance and the public's trust in legal oversight of such institutions.
