Live protest in front of the country

The traditional gesture of sports recognition became the center of controversy in the Liga Profesional de Fútbol, after the AFA and the league requested that Estudiantes perform a guard of honor for Rosario Central in the match corresponding to the round of 16 of the Torneo Clausura, after the Canalla was declared league champion for having collected the most points over the year.

The reaction from Estudiantes arrived quickly. The club, headed by Juan Sebastián Verón, publicly expressed disagreement with Central being crowned champion, arguing that no formal vote had been held to approve this title. On social media, the team stated: “There was no vote regarding the recognition of the 2025 League Champion title.”

This contradicted the official version from the LPF, which hours earlier had claimed that the decision to incorporate the new title and recognize Rosario Central as annual champion had been “approved unanimously.”

The decision: comply… but with a message

Despite the dispute, Estudiantes performed the guard of honor — but in a way that circulated worldwide: their players turned around and gave their backs to the Central squad. It was a silent yet forceful protest, driven by Verón himself.

Field reporter Federico Bueno, speaking during the broadcast, explained that Estudiantes “released its players” from an institutional standpoint, but Verón did meet with certain members of the squad and “suggested a backward guard of honor with arms crossed.” The LPF had been notified that the protocol would be followed, but not how.

From the stands, Rosario Central fans responded with a chant directed at Verón: “Whoever doesn’t jump is English!”

Central crowned champion — with controversy

The Canalla’s league coronation was based on finishing first in the annual table, earning them another star in their history. The AFA determined that the annual table leader will now receive an official league title from now on. The controversy lies in that this rule was enforced mid-season, without having been stated in the regulations beforehand.

Joy in Rosario was evident, especially for figures like Ángel Di María, who celebrated on social media: “Glory is priceless. 2025 league champion. Vamos Central.”