Gonzalo Montiel Reportedly Skips Greeting AFA President Chiqui Tapia After Final Loss

Gonzalo Montiel Reportedly Skips Greeting AFA President Chiqui Tapia After Final Loss
SLUG: gonzalo-montiel-avoids-chiqui-tapia-afa-president
EXCERPT: Reports from Argentina suggest World Cup hero Gonzalo Montiel may have deliberately avoided acknowledging AFA president Claudio Tapia while receiving his runner-up medal after River Plate’s recent Apertura final defeat.
CATEGORY: News
TAGS: Gonzalo Montiel, Chiqui Tapia, AFA, River Plate, Belgrano, Apertura Final, Argentine Football
SEO_TITLE: Gonzalo Montiel Reportedly Snubs AFA President Chiqui Tapia After Apertura Final Loss
SEO_DESCRIPTION: An incident at the Apertura final saw Gonzalo Montiel allegedly bypass AFA president Chiqui Tapia during the medal ceremony, sparking speculation about underlying tensions.
MEDIA_QUERY: Gonzalo Montiel, River Plate, AFA President Claudio Tapia
IMAGE_ALT: Gonzalo Montiel, wearing a River Plate kit, is seen on the field after a match.

Gonzalo Montiel, a pivotal figure in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, has reportedly been involved in an incident where he allegedly avoided greeting the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia. The alleged snub occurred during the medal ceremony following River Plate’s 3-2 loss to Belgrano in the Apertura final at the Kempes stadium.

Montiel, who was recovering from a muscle tear and did not participate in the match, was present with the River Plate delegation. According to reports from Clarin Deportes, as Montiel descended to receive his runner-up medal, he is said to have continued walking past Tapia, who was seen congratulating other players, including Juan Fernando Quintero. Eyewitness accounts described Montiel as not making eye contact with Tapia and making a slight movement with his right arm as he passed.

This alleged gesture has ignited discussions within Argentine football circles, with many speculating about potential underlying reasons for Montiel’s actions. Given Montiel’s prominent status as a World Cup champion and his consistent call-ups to the national team under Lionel Scaloni, his interaction with the AFA president is often under scrutiny.

River Plate’s Relationship with the AFA

The incident occurs against a backdrop of reported friction between River Plate and the AFA. Earlier in the year, the club had withdrawn from the AFA’s Executive Committee, citing dissatisfaction with the leadership of the entity. This withdrawal signaled a period of tension between one of Argentina’s most prominent clubs and the national football governing body. Montiel, having been a regular fixture in the national team setup, has a long-standing connection with Tapia, making the alleged avoidance noteworthy.

Context of Tapia’s Presidency

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the ongoing legal standing of Claudio Tapia. He is reportedly facing judicial proceedings in a case concerning the evasion of contributions. Despite these legal challenges, Tapia has reportedly been granted judicial authorization to travel internationally for significant football events, such as the Champions League final and the World Cup. The report from Clarin Deportes also references social media commentary that has been critical of Tapia, with one user on X (formerly Twitter) referring to him as a “delinquent.”

Social media reactions, as cited in the report, suggest that some supporters view Montiel’s alleged action as a deliberate act of protest against Tapia. One post, shared with a video clip, stated, “Paso de largo para no saludar al delinkuente Chiqui Tapia. Tipazo” which translates to “He walked past to not greet the delinquent Chiqui Tapia. Great guy.” Such reactions highlight the polarized opinions surrounding the AFA president and the potential for player actions to be interpreted as statements of solidarity or dissent.

Player Sentiment and Club Grievances

The alleged incident involving Montiel could be interpreted as an unofficial expression of discontent by a high-profile player, reflecting broader grievances held by River Plate. The club’s past withdrawal from the AFA’s executive committee underscores a history of disagreement with the national football administration. Montiel’s personal connection to the national team, where he achieved his greatest international success, juxtaposed with his club affiliation, places him in a unique position to potentially embody or articulate such sentiments.

The focus on Montiel’s reaction also underscores the intricate relationships within Argentine football, where club politics, national team aspirations, and individual player standing often intertwine. Tapia’s leadership, while holding significant power, has been subject to criticism and controversy, making moments like these subject to intense scrutiny and interpretation.

What remains unclear

While reports suggest Gonzalo Montiel deliberately avoided greeting AFA president Chiqui Tapia, the precise intent behind his actions remains a matter of speculation. It is unclear whether this was a pre-meditated act of protest, a spontaneous reaction to the disappointment of the final loss, or simply an oversight. Further clarification from Montiel or official statements from River Plate or the AFA have not been forthcoming. The extent to which this incident reflects broader tensions between River Plate and the AFA leadership also requires further context.

Key Facts from the Report

• Event: Apertura Final
• Teams: River Plate vs. Belgrano
• Outcome: Belgrano won 3-2
• Key Figure: Gonzalo Montiel (River Plate player)
• Alleged Incident: Montiel reportedly avoided greeting AFA President Claudio Tapia
• Source of Allegation: Clarin Deportes
• Date of Publication: 2026-05-24
• Montiel’s Status: Recovering from muscle tear, did not play in the final
• Tapia’s Context: Facing judicial proceedings for evasion of contributions

The development matters for FootballGames10 readers as it offers a glimpse into the potential internal dynamics and player sentiments within Argentine football. Understanding the relationships between prominent clubs, influential players like Gonzalo Montiel, and the national football association leadership provides valuable context for following the sport’s governance and its key personalities. It also highlights how significant matches can become arenas for much more than just the game itself, touching upon club rivalries and broader institutional relationships.

Source: Clarin Deportes, https://www.clarin.com/deportes/bronca-gonzalo-montiel-evito-saludar-presidente-afa-chiqui-tapia-polemicas-final-perdida_0_CRs4dLmZqj.html