Match-Fixing Scandal Hits El Porvenir as AFA Files Formal Complaint

Argentina’s football world was rocked this week as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) filed a formal complaint regarding suspected match-fixing involving El Porvenir, a fourth-division club currently managed by a Brazilian investment group. As reported by TyC Sports, the case is now in the hands of Buenos Aires' Special Prosecutor for Mass Events.

The controversy stems from a $20,000-per-month agreement signed at the start of the season, giving the group control over El Porvenir’s sporting and marketing operations. Under that deal, four Brazilian players joined the squad—Marcos Vinicius, Alessandro Miranda, Fabio Monteiro, and José Denilson—along with a coaching staff. A Serbian agent, Nícifor Simovic, allegedly linked to the group, was also named despite lacking formal registration.

The alarm was raised after a string of suspicious on-field incidents, including odd penalties, questionable yellow cards, and bizarre plays in both senior and reserve matches. Following AFA’s complaint, the Disciplinary Tribunal issued 90-day suspensions for the four players and barred Simovic from entering any stadium in Argentina during that period.

The investigation, led by prosecutor Maximiliano Vence, is in its early stages. Authorities have requested match footage and may analyze betting data for El Porvenir’s last five matches. With memories still fresh from a 2022 betting scandal involving the same club, concerns are growing about the reach of underground betting rings in lower-tier football.

Whether this probe will break through a longstanding code of silence remains uncertain. What’s clear is that once again, it’s the fans who are left to suffer the consequences.