Like at the beginning of every year, the traditional Burning of dolls In The silver and surroundings offered a unique postcard with social humor. This time the viral image was that of a large doll depicting the following Claudio “Chiqui” TapiaPresident of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). The figure burned at dawn in Berisso, in the middle of Chants against AFA.
The initiative came from “Los pibes de la 68”, a group of Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata fanswho decided to present Tapia as one of the “Characters of the Year” and make him the subject of the fire ritual, a custom that takes place every year at the end of the year in entire districts of the city. The doll was built with easily recognizable features and detailed staging in area 124 and 68, Villa Progreso district, in Berisso.
The choice of chairman was no coincidence. Although in 2025 Tapia’s tensions largely revolved around his confrontation with the city’s other team, Estudiantes de La Plata.and with its president, Juan Sebastian Veronwere supporters of the classical rival Gimnasia, who carried out the symbolic protest. As the building was set on fire, there were chants against the AFA leadership, in an atmosphere that combined celebration and protest.
The fire occurred at 2:22 a.m., a time deliberately chosen by fans of Lobo, a club whose bar is known as “La 22.” The gesture was interpreted as an expression of satisfaction over refereeing decisions, leadership conflicts and suspicions that affected the leadership of Argentine football last year.
Tapia’s character has played a central role in several recent scandals. In addition to the sports criticism due to alleged acts of corruption against him and the treasurer, there were judicial investigations. Pablo Tovigginoand that sparked rejection in various areas of Argentine football. In fact, the depiction of “Chiqui” included two suitcases in his hands, at a time when the suspicious handling of huge flows of money via AFA dominates the public agenda.
At the same time, Verón published a 2025 balance sheet on social networks with sharp criticism of the AFA leadership. “It has been a year of struggle, learning and transcendence,” wrote the president of Estudiantes, adding: “Our struggle as a club, our identity, that sense of belonging that comes from the roots and is supported by values: be worthydon’t give up, use noble weapons, want to get better every day and Never allow them to step on our heads“.
Beyond this particular dispute, the Berisso episode caused a widespread sensation. In other parts of the La Plata party there were dolls with similar slogans, such as one carrying a sign with the legend “AFA no”like in a play on words.
Every year the doll burning serves as an x-ray of public opinion. This time, as a cardboard and cloth figure burned, dissatisfaction with a leadership that, for many, is far from the transparency that the most popular sport needs was evident.
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