The Primera B Metropolitana club reversed the incorporation of the former Independiente player.
The news, which had generated a strong impact in the field of football, had a short life. Argentinian from Quilmes finally gave up on signing Alexis Záratethe former Independiente defender who had regained parole a few months ago after serving five years in prison for sexual abuse.
The announcement, made by the Primera B Metropolitana club on Thursday afternoon, was published this Saturday morning.
“We want to inform you that the president, together with the Board of Directors, has decided to abandon the hiring of Alexis Zárate. From the leadership, Technical Secretariat and Technical Staff, we continue working to form the best squad to face the 2026 tournament,” the Mate club communicated through its social networks, taking a step back in the face of the massive impact.
We want to inform you that the president, together with the Board of Directors, has decided to abandon the hiring of Alexis Zarate.
From the leadership, Technical Secretariat and Technical Staff, we continue working to form the best team to face the 2026 tournament. pic.twitter.com/nvISHhtXQJ
— Argentino de Quilmes (@ArgdeQuilmesOf) December 13, 2025
Zárate, 31, emerged from the lower divisions of Independiente. He debuted in the First Division in 2013 under the technical direction of Miguel Ángel Brindisi and played more than 30 parties until 2016, alternating moments of good performance as a right back. He also participated in Argentine youth teams (U15, U17 and U20).
However, his professional career was cut short in 2014 due to allegations of sexual abuse. As determined in the trial, Zárate abused the young Giuliana Peralta, partner of his then partner Martín Benítez. The sentence imposed was six and a half years in prison.
After more than five years in detention, Zárate was released on parole a few months ago. To maintain this benefit until 2027, you must comply with behavioral guidelines such as attending a masculinities workshop and maintaining a perimeter restriction of 500 meters with respect to the victim.
In this context, the initial decision of Argentino de Quilmes to incorporate him for the 2026 season generated a wave of criticism, forcing the leadership to retract the contract in less than 48 hours.
