President Gabriel Boric recently directed strong criticism towards Chilean football. During the State of the Nation address at the Congress, he chastised the National Association of Professional Football (ANFP) and its constituent clubs for their lack of commitment to addressing the pervasive issue of violence in stadiums. Boric called upon the governing body and the Club Presidents’ Council to take decisive actions to eradicate such behaviors. He emphasized the need for a higher level of responsibility from sports event organizers, particularly in light of upcoming legislation changes in security protocols. Boric’s remarks underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for sporting events, contrasting it with what he perceived as a lack of effort from professional football clubs in the country.
The ANFP did not take kindly to President Boric’s statements, especially given recent collaborative efforts to tackle stadium violence. In response, Pablo Milad, the ANFP president, expressed deep regret over the President’s comments, deeming them unjust, unfounded, and exaggerated. He highlighted the association’s ongoing initiatives to address safety concerns within stadiums and lamented the lack of response from authorities regarding their proposed solutions. Milad defended the professional football sector’s efforts to enhance security measures and event organization, emphasizing their cooperation with the government and the implementation of innovative solutions in the absence of governmental input.
Milad critiqued the government’s decision to abolish the “Safe Stadium” program, accusing them of using football as a distraction from broader security issues. He pointed out the ANFP’s efforts in modernizing regulations and establishing the National Fan Registry with over 650,000 registered individuals. Despite their proactive approach, he claimed that their collaboration with the authorities, particularly under the now-defunct “Safe Stadium” initiative, was disregarded. Milad called out the government’s perceived opportunism in handling security matters and asserted that the professional football sector cannot bear sole responsibility for addressing systemic security challenges across the country.
In response to President Boric’s remarks on the government’s role in ensuring security, Milad emphasized that the ANFP and clubs cannot single-handedly resolve the national security crisis. He underscored the significant role played by the ANFP in securing the hosting rights for the upcoming U-20 World Cup and criticized the President’s comments for potentially tarnishing the country’s image ahead of the prestigious tournament. Milad extended an invitation to the government to actively participate in their ongoing efforts to enhance football safety and fan experience.
In conclusion, Milad reiterated the ANFP’s commitment to improving football standards and fostering a safe environment for fans. He urged for collaborative efforts between the government and the football sector to enhance security measures and uphold the country’s reputation in hosting international sporting events. The exchange between President Boric and Pablo Milad underscores the complex relationship between sports governance and national security, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all stakeholders in the football ecosystem.
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