A former sports psychologist who worked with the Argentina national football team has claimed there were attempts by outside parties to influence the outcome of a high-profile FIFA World Cup match against Spain, although he provided no evidence to support the allegation.
Speaking in a recent interview, the former team official said he had witnessed “unusual things” during his time with the national side.
“I witnessed some unusual things during that time. There were subliminal pressures and messages that it would perhaps be for the better if Spain won,” he said.
The remarks have generated widespread discussion among football fans but have also been met with skepticism from analysts and commentators, who noted the absence of any corroborating evidence.
Critics have pointed out that players and coaching staff competing at the highest level of international football are unlikely to deliberately influence the outcome of a World Cup match, given the significance of the tournament.
So far, no documentary evidence or testimony from current or former players, coaches or officials has emerged to substantiate the claims.
Neither the Argentine Football Association (AFA) nor FIFA has commented publicly on the allegations.