Milei Renews Push for Club Privatization After Boca and River Exit Club World Cup

Argentina’s president Javier Milei reignited his criticism of the country’s football management after Boca Juniors and River Plate were both eliminated in the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup. As reported by Poder360, Milei took to social media Thursday to call out AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and demand the transformation of clubs into sports corporations.

“Neither River nor Boca. No Argentine clubs in the Club World Cup. Brazil brought four, and all advanced,” Milei posted. “How much longer will we tolerate the failure of the Tapia model? A weak league, 30 teams, no competitiveness, no SAD, no incentives.”

Milei has long supported turning Argentine clubs into SADs (Sociedades Anónimas Deportivas), akin to Brazil’s SAF system. His government repealed tax exemptions for football clubs in late 2024 and passed legislation allowing private investment starting in November 2025.

Speaking at the Expoagro fair in Buenos Aires, Milei even cited interest from the City Football Group in acquiring Argentine teams. “It’s a monumental investment. Or do you prefer staying in misery with ever-declining football quality?” he said.

However, AFA leadership has resisted the reforms. Tapia has mobilized major clubs to oppose the measure, resulting in legal challenges that currently block its implementation. Since 2019, only two Argentine clubs have reached the Copa Libertadores final — both losing to Brazilian teams, who have won the last six editions.