The Argentine Football Association’s (AFA) decision to recognize Rosario Central as “champions of the 2025 league” – because it accumulated the most points during the year – has reignited the controversy surrounding the so-called “desk titles” since its announcement. The event became a new chapter in the history of Argentine football, which already commemorates at least four consecrations that were awarded on a pitch without the title.
The measure was met with opposition from various areas of football: it was not a regular competition, but an award given off the field solely on the basis of accumulated results. The official regulations themselves make it clear that this recognition does not grant a place for international tournaments and does not replace official championships.
For many fans and journalists, these achievements are marked with an asterisk: they are not about definition on the field, sporting rivalry or Olympic return. Despite the points calculation, the “consecration” is unpopular because it separates fame from effort on the field.
The most recent case revives old debates: titles like the previous ones remain in many people’s memories – due to changes in regulations, administrative decisions or table counts – as trophies without a sporting soul. Today, Rosario Central has joined this tradition: the trophy has already been awarded, but its legitimacy remains in question. The other four antecedents:
Stimulus Cup Hurricane Champion
In 1920, prior to the unification of Argentine football under the AFA in 1934, activities were divided between two now officially recognized associations: the Argentine Football Association (AAF), considered the “official” entity, and the Amateur Football Association (AAmF), composed of clubs that had separated and organized their own competitions.
The Estímulo Cup, organized by the AAF, was held with two groups, the winners of which competed against each other in a final. Huracán dominated Zone A with 8 points, beating Palermo (5), Nueva Chicago (4), Sportivo del Norte (4), Porteño (4) and Sportivo Palermo (3).
In Zone B, Banfield took first place with 9 units, followed by Boca (4), Del Plata (3), Estudiantes de La Plata (2) and Sportivo Barracas (2). Back then, like today, wins gave two points and draws one.
Huracán and Banfield had to define the title, but Banfield decided to leave the association to move to the rival league. For this reason, the AAF declared the Huracán the champion.
Boca Honorary Master of the Argentine Association
In mid-1925, Boca embarked on an unforgettable trip to Europe, visiting Spain, France, Italy and Germany. His performance was remarkable: 15 wins, one draw and only three falls. Upon returning to the country, the Argentine Federation proposed changing the definition of the local tournament – which had to be clarified between Huracán and Nueva Chicago – and including Boca in a triangular tournament, since the Xeneize club could only play seven of the 21 official dates due to its travel.
Huracán rejected this idea and Boca also decided not to take the advantage. In recognition of its international achievement, the Argentine federation decided to award Boca the honorary title of Honorary Champion. Although not a national league or cup, it is registered as an official AFA title and is one of the 74 stars recognized by the club.
Boca champion of the Escobar-Girano Confraternity Cup
The Escobar-Girano Confraternity Cup was a competition jointly organized by the AFA and the AUF, in which the Argentine and Uruguayan runners-up competed in two games, one in each country. In the 1945 edition, Nacional won 2-1 at La Bombonera, while Boca won 3-2 at Centenario.
Since there was no tie-break method (neither goal difference nor a third game) and since each team had won as visitors, both associations agreed to declare both clubs champions. Therefore, the 1945 edition was officially a joint title between Boca and Nacional.
River champion of the Ibarguren Cup
The Ibarguren Cup was a traditional Argentine football competition with 23 editions played – more than the current Argentine Cup with 14. This competition pitted the champion of the first division and the winner of the Argentine championship, a federal tournament with representatives from different provinces.
In 1952, First Division champions River Plate faced Liga Cultural de Santiago del Estero, winners of the regional competition. The game ended 1-1 on the Central Córdoba pitch and two 15-minute extra periods were played. Then a third extra time began, but had to be interrupted after four minutes due to a lack of lighting. Months later, the AFA decided to award the title to both teams and register it as a joint championship.
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