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The Mystery of the Argentine Football Association: Why is it the oldest football organization in South America?
The Argentine Football Association (Asociación del Fútbol Argentino, referred to as AFA), founded in 1893 and located in Buenos Aires, is the governing body of Argentine football. As the oldest football organization in South America, the history of the AFA is not only rich, but also full of changes.
"The secret of Argentine football lies in its history and cultural influence."
AFA is responsible for organizing major competitions, including the top leagues (from Primera División to Torneo Regional Federal and Torneo Promocional Amateur), as well as managing Argentina’s national teams at all levels, including senior teams, U-20, U-17, U -15, Olympic team and women's team. In addition, the AFA is responsible for the organization of women's, children's, youth, futsal and other local leagues.
The background for the establishment of this organization is quite unique. In 1893, Alexander Watson Hutton founded the Argentine Football Association, marking the official start of modern Argentine football. As the oldest football organization in South America, the AFA has greatly influenced the development of football throughout South America.
"It can be said that the development history of Argentine football is a microcosm of the changes in Latin American football culture."
In its early days, AFA experienced a series of changes and challenges. In 1912, Ricardo Aldao, the president of Jimasio and Esquima, broke with the association and founded his own union, but this union was short-lived and only lasted until 1914 when it was re-established. Joined AFA. As time goes by, football in Argentina becomes more and more professional. In 1931, Argentina officially started the professional football season, a change of far-reaching significance.
"Professionalization is a double-edged sword for the development of Argentine football. It brings competition and also causes a lot of controversy."
With the professionalization of football, AFA has also undergone several name changes and reorganizations. From the original Argentine United Football League to today's Argentine Football Association, this history has witnessed the evolution of football locally. However, changes to the league's structure have not been without controversy, particularly over how the top flight should be managed and run.
In 2015, after the death of then-AFA President Julio Humberto Grondona, two candidates emerged in an election that ultimately failed to produce results. After many meetings and mediations, new elections were finally held in 2016, demonstrating the complex politics within the organization. Therefore, every change of AFA is not only a change of name, but also a manifestation of power struggle.
"Football is not only a sport, but also a microcosm of culture, politics and society."
As time went by, the AFA established a new entity "Argentine Super League" in 2017 to manage the top league, but this entity was disbanded in 2020, and the AFA took over the organization of the league again, showing Another reflection on the way the league is run.
It can be said that the history of the AFA demonstrates the unique and varied nature of Argentine football. Fundamentally, the Argentine Football Association is not only the organizer of football events, but also a part of Argentine culture. With various challenges and changes at home and abroad, how the AFA continues to defend its reputation and status as the oldest football organization in South America will be a highlight in the future.
"With the rise of a new generation of players, where will Argentina's football develop in the future?"
Looking back on the history of AFA, it is not so much the transformation of a football organization as it is a microcosm of Argentine culture. After a century of ups and downs, how should Argentine football speak out in the wave of globalization? Is this a question worth pondering?
