ABSTRACT

In Argentina sport and politics are inextricably linked. Football is an extension of politics. It is part of the political system and anything that begins as sport rapidly becomes politicized (Romero 1994: 18). Historically, there are grounds to claim that football is the social model around which the political system has been constructed. This chapter outlines how these ties were established, the form in which these links are maintained and the reasons why the relationship between football and politics is likely to continue in the foreseeable future. This will involve analysing the motivation for the relationship on the part of the main players in the structures of football in Argentina, namely the state, the Argentine Football Association, the clubs and the fans. The role of businesses and, to a lesser extent, the media are interrelated to the above and will be examined in their appropriate context.