Argentine football clubs, young prospects and ESPN investigators.
After ESPN released a long-running investigation.
An ESPN investigation alleged widespread exploitation and neglect in Argentina’s youth football pipeline, including unregulated boarding houses, hunger, extortion and sexual predation risks. The investigation began after Independiente disclosed sexual assaults involving children in youth accommodation.
ESPN said it reviewed thousands of pages, interviewed more than 100 people and visited youth boarding facilities. The report raises serious questions for Argentine football authorities over oversight, safeguarding and the hidden cost of chasing professional contracts.