The child abuse scandal that is rocking Messi-land

BUENOSAIRES:Argentinian football is in deep shock after finding out that a paedophile sex ring was operating inside one of the major clubs, Independiente, and possibly extending its tentacles to other teams. The network tried to identify children and teenagers from Independiente’s academy, and offer them a chance to earn money by introducing them to adults.

It is still unclear how big the child abuse network was, but there could be as many as 500 victims, with seven of them young footballers from Independiente.

So far seven people, including an assistant referee from Argentina’s Superliga, Martin Bustos have been arrested. Bustos, who is HIV positive, is now charged with child sex abuse and child prostitution, and could be sentenced up to 20 years. His lawyer, Tomas Beldi, was also charged after smashing his defendant’s phone to erase evidence. Bustos’ father was convicted for child sex abuse in the past. Leonardo Cohen Arazi, a PR specialist with many links in politics and media, was also arrested and accused of child abuse. Juan Manuel Diaz Vallone, who organised child football tournaments, and Alejandro Del Cin, football agent were also arrested last month. A 24-year-old, understood to be a client, is also in custody. Investigation is now pointing to Argentine Football Association (AFA) officials and other clubs.

The case emerged when one footballer from the club’s youth ranks broke down while speaking to the academy’s psychologist, Ariel Ruiz. With a confirmed victim, the psychologist made new interviews and discovered that it was not an isolated case.

The facilitator between the youngsters and the sex ring was another player of the academy, and possibly former victim of abuse, who was playing for the 4th Division. The club decided to provide full cooperation to the prosecutor’s office. Later, academy’s general coordinator pointed out that “no player had left the club” since the scandal emerged.