Argentine Football Again Allows Supporters To Go Away After 12 Years Ban

JAKARTA - The Argentine Football Association (AFA) gave a statement on Thursday, July 17, 2025, that Argentine football clubs can now receive away supporters after a 12-year ban.

The ban, imposed in 2013 following violent incidents, including the death of a spectator, has now been lifted as part of a gradual re-implementation ahead of the next round of matches in the Argentine Primera Division of the current season.

"This is a historic day as it marks the start of the return of away fans, allowing clubs looking to host them," AFA President Claudio Tapia told a news conference.

He added that the move was partly motivated by the excitement of the return of the player who won the World Cup with Team Tango, Angel Di Maria, to Argentina's highest level league.

The ban was first imposed in Buenos Aires Province and was followed by other districts. Although the attempt was aimed at ending the violence in the stadium, the attempt failed, as more deaths later occurred as a result of disputes among the barrabrava.

AFA announced that 6,500 new club supporters Di Maria, Rosario Central, a team from the town located 300 kilometers north of Buenos Aires, will be able to occupy the Lanus away stands with strict security protocols, including special tickets for supporters to be properly identified.

President Rosario Central, Gonzalo Belloso, appealed to his club supporters to behave well in the midst of the return of rival supporters.

"The goal is not to return to what it was before. You see, the visitors were expelled for a reason."

"We have to eradicate the culture of violence. It's sad to see 10-year-old children singing about drugs or that someone needs to be killed. This celebration should be a celebration of the family, with flags and drums," said Security Minister Javier Alonso.

In the meantime, the policy will only apply to Buenos Aires Province despite Tapia saying that other provinces are willing to join this initiative.

This plan has raised questions. The opposition to the Buenos Aires Government warned that police officers cannot be assigned to keep guest supporters, which could harm residents and fear an increasing wave of insecurity.

Guest supporters' restrictions only apply to professional league and other division matches in Argentina. Guest supporters are allowed in international tournaments, such as the Copa Libertadores and the Copa Sudardina.

"This is what supporters and the football community want. Many matches have been held with two support groups."

"That's why we decided to announce the resumption of guest supporters," said Tapia.