Rosario Central has suspended all activities for its Categoría 2013 youth team following an anonymous complaint alleging violence, bullying, and potential sexual abuse among underage players. The club confirmed the activation of its internal protection protocol after learning of the allegations, which were reportedly filed with the Defensoría de Menores (Office for the Defense of Minors). The suspension affects a group of approximately 12-year-old athletes although authorities conduct a thorough investigation into the reported incidents.
The decision was communicated through official club channels, emphasizing Rosario Central’s commitment to safeguarding minors within its youth development system. According to Infobae, the club stated it had taken immediate knowledge of the situation and proceeded to halt all training sessions, matches, and related activities for the Categoría 2013 division. The move aligns with established procedures designed to protect young athletes and ensure a safe environment during inquiries into serious misconduct allegations.
Sources close to the club indicated that the complaint details multiple instances of harassment occurring both in locker room settings and through digital platforms, where harmful images and messages were allegedly shared among teammates. While the nature of the alleged abuse includes psychological and physical elements, the specific reference to “presunto abuso” (potential abuse) has prompted heightened scrutiny due to the involvement of minors. Rosario Central has not released further specifics about the alleged victims or perpetrators, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation and protect the identities of those involved.
The club’s president addressed the matter publicly, stating that Rosario Central would fully cooperate with authorities and leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth. He emphasized that the institution’s priority remains the well-being of its young players and that any individuals found responsible would face appropriate consequences in accordance with both internal regulations and national child protection laws. No arrests or formal charges have been reported at this stage, and judicial sources have not confirmed any legal proceedings initiated against individuals linked to the case.
This incident adds to growing concerns about safety protocols in Argentine football youth academies, where recent years have seen increased attention on preventing abuse and ensuring proper oversight. While Rosario Central has long maintained a reputable youth system — having produced notable players such as Ángel Di María and Mauro Zárate — the current situation underscores the persistent challenges clubs face in monitoring interpersonal dynamics among adolescent athletes, particularly in unsupervised spaces like locker rooms and online environments.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has not issued a public statement regarding the Rosario Central case as of this writing. However, national regulations require all clubs affiliated with the AFA to implement and maintain child protection protocols, including mandatory reporting mechanisms and regular staff training on identifying signs of abuse. Compliance with these standards is typically monitored through periodic evaluations, though enforcement mechanisms vary across regions.
For now, the Categoría 2013 squad remains inactive, with no timetable provided for the resumption of activities. The club has urged families and members of the community to rely solely on official communications for updates, warning against the spread of unverified information on social media. Rosario Central reiterated its openness to dialogue with affected families and confirmed that psychological support services are being made available to players and staff who may require assistance during this period.
As the investigation continues, the next expected development will be the conclusion of the internal review by Rosario Central’s safeguarding committee, followed by any potential referrals to judicial or social welfare authorities. The club has not disclosed a timeline for when these findings might be shared publicly, noting that such processes must balance transparency with legal confidentiality obligations.
Readers seeking ongoing updates on this situation are encouraged to follow Rosario Central’s verified official channels, including its website and authenticated social media accounts. For broader guidance on youth sports safety and reporting mechanisms, resources are available through Argentina’s National Secretariat for Childhood, Adolescence and Family (SENAF).
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