The Argentine Football Association announced on Thursday that football clubs in Argentina can now admit fans after a 12-year prohibition.
This restriction was initially enforced in 2013 following incidents of violence, including spectator fatalities. The ban is being lifted gradually, ahead of the next fixtures in the current league season.
“Today is a landmark occasion as it allows fans to return and enables clubs that wish to host them,” stated AFA President Claudio Tapia during a press briefing.
He also mentioned that the decision was partly driven by the excitement around World Cup hero Angel Di María’s return to Argentine football.
The initial ban was implemented in Buenos Aires and gradually extended to other areas in an effort to curb stadium violence; however, further incidents did occur amid clashes involving the so-called “Barrabrava.”
The AFA has permitted 6,500 fans from Di María’s new team, Rosario Central—which is located about 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires—to be admitted in the away section, with strict security measures in place.
Rosario Central’s president, Gonzalo Beloso, has urged fans to behave responsibly in the presence of rival supporters.
“The intention is not to repeat the past, as visitors were banned for valid reasons,” said Javier Alonso, the security minister for Buenos Aires. “We need to eliminate the culture of violence. It’s distressing to hear a 10-year-old child singing about drugs or see someone die over a match. It should be a family-friendly celebration filled with flags and music.”
For now, this policy applies only to Buenos Aires, but Tapia indicated that other provinces are eager to implement the same approach.
Concerns have been raised regarding the plan, as opposition voices have noted that law enforcement may not adequately protect fans amidst rising unrest.
These restrictions on visiting fans have only been in place for professional league matches in Argentina; however, they are still allowed at international competitions like the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana.
“This is what soccer enthusiasts and the community want. With numerous games featuring both sets of fans, we decided to initiate the return of visiting fans,” Tapia concluded.
This report includes information from Reuters and the Associated Press.
Fan Take: The return of visiting fans is a significant step forward for Argentine soccer, enhancing the atmosphere and rivalry at matches. This change not only reconnects clubs with their supporters but also promotes a sense of community and excitement, crucial for the sport’s growth.
