Former referee Javier Castrilli sharply criticized the leadership of the refereeing body, accusing it of a power system based on fear, manipulation, and the buying of wills. In an interview with Radio Rivadavia, Castrilli reported that the current management of Argentine refereeing is in a deep crisis, and this situation does not surprise those who have been closely following it for years. The former referee stated that 'refereeing was used to build power through fear and hope,' and that those responsible 'choose terror, ruling like a dictatorship.' Castrilli also maintained that there is a network of interests that includes 'dirty money' intended to 'buy the will of leaders,' with a structure consolidated from the football of the interior. He pointed out that the historic leader 'was not a saint,' although he applied a strict rule in case of any doubt about a referee's behavior. He considered them 'hitmen' and said that rival teams 'knew they were going to be executed.' Castrilli added that the problem has surpassed any reasonable doubt. He recalled that as early as 2018, he had warned of the impending scenario. 'The press is taking note now that it has reached the top level, but this has been happening for years,' he noted. In his view, even those who wish to impart justice correctly are conditioned. 'Although they want to referee well, they cannot,' he declared. Finally, he compared the situation to the era of Julio Grondona.
