In the last 80 years there were many changes, in Argentina and in the world. In all items. Also in footballalthough some structures are still firm eight decades later.In this new anniversary of the newspaper, a comparison between the football of that time and this.
On August 28, 1945, When the first number of Clarín appearedthe president of the Argentine Football Association was General Eduardo Avalos, a 52 -year -old military who had no links with any club but had assumed in March of that year in replacement of Agustín Matienzo. The United officer Group (Gou) had taken power in 1943 and as then there was a kind of unofficial intervention in the AFA. The mandates lasted a year.
The vice presidents were from the clubs, Lieutenant tomás A. ducóof Hurricane, and Santiago García, of Independiente. A secretary also, Enrique Pinto de San Lorenzo. The other, Alberto Calarco, was an AFA man who had been president of the Federal Council in 1939 and was secretary since 1940. There was proportional or qualified vote since 1937 and in 1945 there were six clubs that his vote was worth three: Boca, River, Independiente, racing, San Lorenzo and Hurricane. two had gymnastics and students; the rest, one. Just 18 leaders (first 16, one of the second and one from the Federal Council) had a vote in the assemblies. In 2024 Claudio Chiqui Tapia was reelected with 44 votes of the 46 assembly members.
The AFA, a Buenos Aires entity that had emerged on November 3, 1934 as a fusion of the Argentine Football League (the professional) and the Amateurs of football, had three category, a first division with 16 teams, a second division (professional since 1943) with 21 teams and a third of Ascent (Amateur) with 11 clubs. The Central Rosario, Newell’s, Argentine, Central Córdoba and Federal Shot, and Unión de Santa Fe.
The weekend prior to the appearance of Clarion The 17th was played. Tournament date, 2nd. of the second wheel. The leader was River with 28 points, Boca and Independiente had 25, San lorenzo 24, and Hurricane 21.Of the greats, Racing was fulfilling a poor campaign and accumulated just 13 units, just four more than Chacarita, wich was last with 9. Except for the funebrero and Atlanta, the other 14 teams of that tournament continue to play in the major division of Argentine football. In 2025,Platense was champion for the first time in its history.
That year was champion River, led by Carlos Peucelleone of the makers of The machinewho had assumed in the first team after the departure of Renato Cesarinihired by racing, at that time the only one who had not been champion in professionalism. For the bad campaign of the avellaneda team, on one of the two first sports page of Clarionwhose headquarters were in charge of the journalist Lalo fura note was published with statements by Renato Cesarini.
The greeting to the readers of Lalo Pellicciari, the first sports chief of the newspaper.the Tano explained: “What happens in Racing is disconcerting. Modifications, reprimands, fines threats have been tested, but nothing has resulted. That is why he has gotten despair – logic on the other hand, among its leaders.”. Cesarini was just four more games and they threw him after losing 5-1 with Independiente on September 23. Guillermo Stabile replaced it, who was tricampeón in 1949-50-51.
The note with statements by Renato Cesarini, coach of Racing in 1945.From the 24th date of the Second Division tournament, two games were barely played and the rest were suspended by rain. On Saturday 25, on Banfield court, the Andes beat New Chicago 1-0; And on Sunday 26, in Santa Fe, Unión beat Banfield 1-0. The leader of the tournament was Tigre, who was champion and ascended. All Boys was last and descended to Third ascent. Of the 21 teams that played that tournament, in addition to Banfield, Unión and Tigre, 80 years later are also in First Argentinos Juniors and Barracas Central.
On Sunday 26 the 5 games of the Third
A look Back: Argentine Soccer in 1945 and Its Echoes Today
Imagine a world without the Champions league,without the sprawling global reach of modern soccer. That was the reality in 1945, a pivotal year for Argentine football. As the world recovered from World War II, Argentina was solidifying its place as a soccer powerhouse, albeit in a landscape vastly different from today’s.
The ascent Tournament and Early League Play
The “Ascent Tournament,” a precursor to today’s promotion and relegation battles, was fiercely contested. Here’s a snapshot of the results from a key round:
- Deportivo Hurricane de San Justo 3 – Liniers 6
- just José de Urquiza 2 – Porteño 1
- Sportivo Alsina 1 – Brown 2
- San Telmo 1 – Central Argentino 2
- Argentino de Quilmes 5 – Collegiate 1
bernal had a free date. The champion earned promotion to the Second Division. Of the eleven teams competing, only six remain active in the ascent leagues today, a testament to the ever-changing landscape of lower-division soccer.
The Republic Cup: A National Affair
Beyond the league structure, the Republic Cup “Pedro Pablo Ramírez,” established in 1943, offered another avenue for glory. In March 1945, San Martín de Tucumán, representing the interior of the country, defeated Newell’s 3-1 to claim the 1944 edition. This victory was significant because The Holy Tucumano was the first indirectly affiliated champion of a Tournament organized by AFA.
This highlighted the growing importance of clubs outside the Buenos Aires metropolitan area.
The third and final edition of the republic Cup commenced in October 1945, featuring 42 clubs from across Argentina.Students emerged as champions, further demonstrating the breadth of talent within the nation. A new edition of the British Cup was also played, which was played by the 16 first teams, and the winner was Racing.
The Evolution of Argentine Club Soccer
Consider the landscape: clubs like columbus (Santa Fe) (joining in 1948) and Sarmiento de Junín (1952) were yet to join the top tiers. Deportivo riestra, now a first-division team, had only recently joined in 1946. sarandí Arsenal hadn’t even been founded. The structure of Argentine soccer has undergone a dramatic transformation.
Today, in 2025, the Argentine soccer pyramid is vast: 30 clubs in the First Division, 36 in the First National, 21 in First B, 39 in the Federal, 27 in First C, and 12 in the Amateur Promotional league. These teams also compete in tournaments like the Argentine Cup (featuring 64 teams), the Argentine Super Cup, the Champions trophy, and the International Super Cup.
International Competition: A Different World
In 1945, the international club scene was limited.The Río de la Plata Cup “Ricardo Aldao,” a contest between the Argentine and Uruguayan champions, was the primary international club competition. In that year, River Plate triumphed over Peñarol.
Contrast that with today,where Argentine clubs regularly compete in the Copa Libertadores,Copa Sudamericana,and the Club World Cup,showcasing their talent on a global stage.
On the international stage, the Argentine national team was a force to be reckoned with. The selection had won the Copa américa in February and would repeat in 1946 and 1947.
Though, the shadow of World War II loomed large, postponing the World Cup. Argentina would be absent from the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, a stark reminder of the global disruptions of the era.
The Federal Council: Unifying a Nation Through Soccer
Even in 1945, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) recognized the importance of unifying the country through soccer. The Federal Council, created in January 1935, aimed to organize and control all Argentine football. According to AFA records, there were 140 affiliated leagues from 21 provinces, encompassing a total of 1,434 clubs. Today, that number has exploded to over 6,200 clubs distributed across 233 regional leagues.
The Growth of Argentine Soccer: A Numbers Game
The sheer scale of growth is staggering. From 1,434 clubs in 1945 to over 6,200 today, Argentine soccer has experienced exponential expansion.This growth reflects the enduring passion for the sport throughout the country.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Argentine Soccer
While Argentine soccer boasts a rich history and a vibrant present, challenges remain. Maintaining financial stability for clubs, developing young talent, and competing on the global stage are ongoing priorities. As the sport continues to evolve, Argentina’s commitment to its soccer heritage will be crucial for future success.
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On July 31, precisely, the AFA in conjunction with the Federal Council (Claudio Tapia is the president of both entities) officially announced the launch of the National Survey of Interior Clubs. “the lack of precise and updated information represents the main obstacle to the development and sustainability of clubs”he explained Pablo TovigginoAFA treasurer and executive president of the Federal Council. A little more federalism although the central power is still had the clubs and leaders of Buenos Aires, as in 1945.