ARGENTINA’S LEAGUE SYSTEM IN DISARRAY

Fans rue inconsistent tournament formats and abrupt rule changes, calling it ‘a mess’

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With eight trophies up for grabs from 2026, a first division counting 30 teams and formats that can change seemingly on a whim, the Argentinian football league is at risk of alienating supporters in the home of the reigning World Cup champions.

Already somewhat of a rarity to outsiders with its two-stage season — each stage lasts six months and they are known as the Torneo Apertura, which means “opening tournament” in Spanish, and Torneo Clausura (closing tournament) — the league has recently become even more singular.

The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) suddenly decided on Nov 20 to create a new title combining the clubs’ results in both championships - although there was no provision for this in the regulations at the start of the season.

As a result, former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker Angel di Maria and his current club, Rosario Central, were unexpectedly declared the country’s champions just as they were preparing for their last-16 clash in the Clausura playoffs.

The newly crowned champions promptly lost the knockout tie 1-0 at home to Estudiantes de La Plata on Nov 23.