18/06/2026 15:49 - Actualidad
Un juez con martillo sobre un campo de fútbol, concepto de justicia deportiva
Argentina's National Civil Chamber has validated the relocation of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) headquarters to Pilar, a district in Buenos Aires Province. The ruling declared null and void Resolution 140/26, issued on February 18, 2026, through which the General Inspector of Justice (IGJ) had appointed official overseers to monitor the football governing body.
This judicial decision effectively removes AFA from the jurisdiction of the IGJ, a federal oversight body under the Ministry of Justice led by Juan Bautista Mahiques. The association will now fall under the authority of the Provincial Directorate of Legal Entities, marking a significant shift in regulatory control.
For international readers: The AFA (Asociación del Fútbol Argentino) is the governing body of all professional football in Argentina, similar to the FA in England or the DFB in Germany. It manages the national team, the professional leagues, and all major tournaments.
The IGJ (Inspección General de Justicia) is a powerful government agency responsible for overseeing all non-profit organizations and associations registered in the City of Buenos Aires. It has the authority to send official monitors (veedores) to ensure transparency in organizational management.
AFA successfully argued that its real and effective headquarters had long been located in Ezeiza, in Buenos Aires Province, at the famous training complex where the national team trains. The registration in the capital city was merely historical and no longer reflected operational reality.
By moving to provincial jurisdiction, AFA distances itself from direct federal government oversight. The national government, through the IGJ, previously held the power to appoint overseers, intervene in institutional conflicts, and supervise management decisions.
This represents a significant victory for Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, AFA's president since 2016, who championed the relocation strategy as a way to limit government interference in football matters.
The administration of President Javier Milei, elected in 2023, had maintained a critical stance toward football leadership and actively promoted investigations into management practices. This ruling represents a legal setback for those efforts.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2024 | AFA holds an extraordinary assembly where member clubs approve the headquarters relocation to Pilar |
| February 18, 2026 | IGJ issues Resolution 140/26, appointing official overseers to AFA |
| Present | National Civil Chamber declares IGJ resolution null, validates the move to provincial jurisdiction |
Pilar is a rapidly growing district in Buenos Aires Province, known for its country clubs, gated communities, and sports facilities. By establishing headquarters there, AFA joins many organizations choosing the province over the federal capital.
The Provincial Directorate of Legal Entities, which will now oversee AFA, operates under Buenos Aires provincial law, which some observers consider less interventionist than federal regulations.
Any future conflicts within AFA, challenges to leadership decisions, or complaints about management will need to be filed in Buenos Aires provincial courts rather than federal ones, potentially creating additional barriers for those seeking to challenge the organization's leadership.
Sources: El Día, National Civil Chamber rulings, IGJ Resolution 140/26, AFA official records.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
