Di María Crowned Champion in Argentina — and the Country Is Furious. What Happened?

Rosario Central have officially been declared champions of Argentina — and yes, that wording is important. The team didn’t win the league through traditional sporting criteria. They were recognized as champions by decision of the federation.

Rosario accumulated the most points across both the Apertura and Clausura — the first and second halves of the Argentine regular season. Previously, this achievement simply secured a Copa Libertadores spot. But this year, the federation decided that the combined points leader of both league zones would be named national champion.

And there’s one major problem: the season isn’t over.

Platense won the Apertura playoffs. The Clausura playoffs are still underway, currently at the quarterfinal stage — and Rosario have already been eliminated. The two playoff champions are supposed to face each other in a “golden final” to decide the title.

Except… the champion has already been announced.

Backlash Across Argentina

The decision has triggered outrage nationwide. Graffiti featuring Ángel Di María has been vandalized, and the player is being accused of benefiting from his alleged closeness to the federation president. Many fans believe the rules were changed “by hand” to favor Rosario.

Estudiantes took their protest onto the pitch: during the “champion’s guard of honor,” the players turned their backs on Rosario’s squad in front of the cameras.

A Bizarre Situation: Champion… Yet Still Competing

The result is unprecedented. Di María’s club is both officially crowned champions and still part of the competition that is supposed to decide the champion. Rosario will eventually face the winner of the playoff champions’ final — despite already holding the title.

Argentine football never disappoints. And this time, it has delivered one of the strangest title stories in recent memory.

Published by Patrick Jane
26.11.2025