Strike in Argentina! Argentine Clubs Protest the ‘Judicial Persecution’ of Chiqui Tapia

Argentine football is heading into unprecedented territory. Clubs from the Liga Profesional de Fútbol have voted to go on strike in a show of support for Claudio Tapia, president of the Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), amid an ongoing judicial investigation that has shaken the country’s football leadership. The measure includes the full suspension of matches scheduled between March 5 and March 8.

The decision followed a court summons issued by Judge Diego Amarante, who called Tapia to testify in a case involving the alleged non-payment of social security contributions during 2024 and 2025. The investigation stems from a formal complaint filed by the Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero (ARCA). In addition, the judge imposed a travel ban preventing Tapia from leaving the country, escalating tensions between football authorities and the judiciary.

Football officials have strongly rejected the legal proceedings, labeling them as “judicial persecution,” and presented a united front behind Tapia, who has overseen one of the most successful eras in the history of Argentina’s national team. During an executive committee meeting, top-division clubs unanimously approved the strike as both a political and institutional statement.

The investigation also involves other senior figures, including treasurer Pablo Toviggino, general secretary Cristian Malaspina, director general Gustavo Lorenzo, and former Racing Club president Víctor Blanco. All are expected to testify as part of a case that has effectively frozen the upper levels of Argentine football governance.

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