Cristian Ritondo against the strike declared by the AFA: "It is not a good measure if you want to demonstrate innocence"
Cristian Ritondo, a member of the PRO party in Argentina, criticized the strike called by the AFA amidst corruption allegations against top officials.
Cristian Ritondo, an Argentine deputy from the PRO party, has openly opposed the recent strike initiated by the AFA due to corruption accusations against its leaders, Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and Pablo Toviggino. He argued that going on strike is not a constructive way to prove one's innocence, especially following discussions in which evidence of inappropriate payments came to light. Ritondo believes that instead of resorting to strikes, the AFA should focus on clarifying the issues at hand to restore trust in Argentine football and its governance.
During a recent interview, Ritondo elaborated that the AFA's strategy of framing these corruption allegations as a media issue detracts from the serious nature of the claims. He emphasized that taking a pause in football operations, as is the case with the strike, does not contribute to resolving the underlying problems. The deputy suggested that the AFA leaders should use this time to transparently address accusations rather than deflecting blame or making the situation more complicated by halting football matches.
The backdrop of this strike is a recent meeting of the AFA's Executive Committee, which, instead of settling disputes, has sparked more controversy among football officials. Ritondoβs remarks reflect a growing frustration within the political landscape regarding how sports organizations handle corruption allegations, particularly in a country where football is deeply entwined with national identity. His comments call for accountability and responsible leadership within the AFA, urging them to confront the allegations head-on rather than engaging in public relations maneuvers.