Mar 6 β€’ 23:41 UTC πŸ‡¦πŸ‡· Argentina Clarin (ES)

Before boarding the AFA plane that brought him to Argentina, Nahuel Gallo received a video call from 'Chiqui' Tapia

Alejandra Monteoliva, the National Minister of Security, criticized the AFA's involvement in Nahuel Gallo's return to Argentina after being detained in Venezuela.

Nahuel Gallo, a member of the Argentine Gendarmerie, returned to Argentina after spending 448 days in a Venezuelan prison. His return was facilitated by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), which played a significant role in negotiating his release. The National Minister of Security, Alejandra Monteoliva, revealed that before boarding the AFA-chartered plane, Gallo received a video call from AFA President Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, suggesting a close coordination between the AFA and the government's efforts in this case.

Monteoliva expressed concern regarding the AFA's level of involvement, stating that while the Argentine government worked hard for Gallo's liberation, the AFA took on a dual role by acting not just as a means of transport but also as a negotiator in securing Gallo's release from El Rodeo prison. This statement highlights the complexities surrounding the negotiations for Gallo's freedom amidst a backdrop of political turmoil in Venezuela, influenced by international factors including the detention of NicolΓ‘s Maduro by the United States.

The context of Gallo's detention and subsequent release raises questions about the intersections of sports, politics, and diplomacy. As Gallo returns home, the actions of the AFA and the government's responses underscore the delicate balance of international relations and domestic security, particularly in scenarios that intertwine national pride and individual rights. The narrative also reflects on how sporting organizations can play a pivotal role in high-stakes negotiations that involve their members.

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