Argentine Football Lifts 12-Year Ban on Away Fans in a Historic Shift

In a landmark decision that has sent ripples through the sporting world, Argentine football has reopened its gates to away supporters for the first time in over a decade. After a 12-year ban sparked by fatal violence in the stands, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially greenlit the return of visiting fans—beginning with the Buenos Aires province.

The announcement, made Thursday by AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, comes as part of a gradual and tightly controlled plan aimed at reuniting Argentine football stadiums with the vibrant spectacle of home and away fanbases. “This is a historic day because it marks the beginning of the return of visiting fans, enabling clubs that wish to host them to do so,” Tapia said during a press conference.

Why the Ban Was Imposed

The original ban dates back to 2013, following a string of violent clashes among fans, most notably the death of a supporter during a league match. What began as a provincial restriction in Buenos Aires quickly spread across the country, leaving Argentine football clubs with empty away sections in their stadiums.

While the intention behind the ban was clear—curbing violence in stadiums—its effectiveness has long been debated. Despite the restriction, deaths linked to football-related violence continued, largely involving Argentina’s infamous “barrabravas,” or ultra-fan groups.

“The idea isn’t to go back to what we had before because the visitors were kicked out for a reason,” Buenos Aires security minister Javier Alonso said. “We have to eradicate the culture of violence. It’s sad to see 10-year-olds singing about drugs or that someone needs to be killed. It has to be a family celebration, with flags and drums.”

Ángel Di María’s Return Adds to the Buzz

One of the biggest influences behind this decision appears to be the return of Ángel Di María, the World Cup-winning winger who recently joined Rosario Central, his boyhood club. His arrival has ignited national excitement and was cited by Tapia as a key motivator for the decision.

To mark the change, 6,500 Rosario Central fans will travel to Lanús to support their team in an upcoming fixture. This return of away fans will be tightly regulated, featuring designated tickets and identity tracking, part of a comprehensive security protocol aimed at avoiding any repeat of past issues. “This is what football fans and society want. Many matches have been organized with two sets of fans, and that’s why we decided to announce the start of the return of visiting fans,” Tapia added.

What’s Next: A Cautious Rollout

For now, this new policy only applies to Buenos Aires Province, but Tapia hinted that other regions are willing to adopt the initiative in the near future. Still, the plan has stirred political concerns, particularly from critics who argue that police resources are being stretched too thin to adequately protect citizens and away supporters simultaneously.

The reintroduction of away fans won’t apply to all levels of competition just yet. Matches in the Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana have already featured mixed fanbases, but Argentina’s domestic league has been slow to follow suit—until now.

Timeline of the Away Fan Ban in Argentina

The decision to lift the away fan ban marks a pivotal moment in Argentine football history, with the potential to reshape how the sport is experienced in the country. While challenges remain—especially around safety and logistics—the hope is that this shift paves the way for a more inclusive, passionate, and united football culture.

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