San Lorenzo and Instituto players posed with shirts in defense of the AFA before the match at the Nuevo Gasómetro
Players from San Lorenzo and Instituto displayed shirts supporting the AFA before their match, amidst fan protests against the entity's president.
In a recent match at the Nuevo Gasómetro, players from San Lorenzo and Instituto made a symbolic statement by posing in white shirts that read, "Stop persecuting us. AFA is all the clubs." This action was part of the AFA's broader political and administrative campaign, aiming to present a united front amid ongoing judicial investigations and public scrutiny. The demonstration highlighted the players' role as protectors of the organization during a turbulent time for Argentine football's governing body.
Despite this show of solidarity, the atmosphere was charged with fan discontent. Supporters of San Lorenzo, known as El Ciclón, vocally expressed their opposition to the AFA president, Claudio "Chiqui Tapia," with shouts and chants directed at him before and during the match. This discontent from the stands indicates a growing rift between fans and the football leadership, as many feel disillusioned with current leadership and management practices of the AFA, which has faced multiple criticisms.
The incident raises important questions about the relationship between football clubs, their players, and the institutions that govern them. This movement from players attempting to shield the AFA from criticism reflects a deeper complexity within Argentine football, where politics play a crucial role in the sport's widespread popularity and operational management. It remains to be seen how the AFA will respond to such public dissent and whether further actions will be taken to bridge that gap between the fans and football authorities.