The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Gambling (FEJA) of the Buenos Aires Public Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the alleged recruitment of bettors on illegal platforms by Cristian Fabbiani and Iván Buhajeruk, known as 'Spreen.' In the midst of this controversy, Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), spoke out about it, expressing his concern over the pressure many young people face to reach the professional level.
Tapia highlighted that many young footballers may encounter extreme situations due to the difficulty of reaching the First Division, which can lead to tragic situations. The president of the AFA also referenced 'Spreen's' inclusion in Deportivo Riestra, pointing out that the pressure to reach the professional level can be overwhelming for some.
The controversy erupted when Fabbiani decided to include 'Spreen' in the starting team of Riestra against Vélez, which generated widespread rejection from the football community. Subsequently, the AFA Ethics Tribunal opened an investigation into the inclusion of the influencer in the match, further deepening the controversy.
Tapia underscored the importance of correcting situations that are not in line with the values of football and highlighted the AFA's responsibility in the comprehensive training of young footballers. He insisted on the need to promote the personal development of players, in addition to their sporting skills, to ensure a healthy environment in the field of youth football.
Regarding the apologies offered by Deportivo Riestra, Tapia emphasized the importance of correcting mistakes and preventing similar situations from occurring in the future. He confirmed that the AFA Ethics and Discipline Tribunal is investigating the case, reaffirming the commitment of the governing body of Argentine football to promote a fair and safe playing environment for all involved.
