Buenos Aires, Argentina – In a move lauded by supporters as a return of the game to its roots, and shadowed by ongoing legal challenges, Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia officially launched LPF Play on Monday, March 9, 2026. The new platform aims to broadcast a comprehensive range of Argentine football leagues, with the notable exception of the top-tier Liga Profesional. The launch comes after a period of disruption for Argentine football, including a recent nationwide strike.
The unveiling of LPF Play, as reported by 0264noticias.com.ar and Olé, marks a significant shift in how Argentine football is distributed, with a focus on accessibility and wider reach both domestically and internationally. The platform debuted with a live broadcast of the Primera Nacional match between San Miguel and Central Norte.
A Platform for All Levels of Argentine Football
LPF Play’s ambition is to provide coverage of various levels of the Argentine football pyramid. Currently, the platform broadcasts the Torneo Proyección, Primera Nacional, Primera B, Primera C, futsal, and matches of the Argentine Women’s National Team. Future plans, according to Tapia, include adding the Torneo Federal A, the Liga Profesional Femenina, and the Torneo Amateur, expanding the platform’s offerings even further. This expansion aims to showcase the breadth of talent within Argentine football, extending beyond the spotlight typically reserved for the Liga Profesional.
The launch event, attended by players, coaches, club officials, and prominent figures in Argentine football, served as a platform for Tapia to defend his administration’s decisions and outline the vision for the future of the sport in the country. Sergio Goycochea, a former Argentine goalkeeper, introduced Tapia at the event, setting the stage for a presentation that emphasized the AFA’s commitment to federalizing access to football.
“The Football Returns to the Football”
Tapia’s address was marked by a defiant tone, particularly in light of the ongoing legal proceedings he faces. He stated, as reported by Olé, “The rights to Argentine football return to the leaders of Argentine football, they return to the clubs of Argentine football.” This sentiment underscores the AFA’s intention to regain control over the broadcasting rights and revenue streams associated with the sport, previously held by other entities.
He also took an indirect jab at previous broadcasting arrangements, referencing issues with signal stability and accessibility. “Now everyone can see it, and now the signal doesn’t cut out. Now they can see it from end to end in our country and also abroad,” Tapia said, alluding to past difficulties experienced by viewers attempting to stream matches on other platforms. He specifically recalled issues viewers had accessing matches of Barracas Central on a previous platform, requiring multiple calls to resolve transmission problems.
A Bold Statement Amidst Legal Challenges
The launch of LPF Play is occurring against a backdrop of significant legal scrutiny for Tapia. According to reports, he is currently under investigation by the Argentine justice system for alleged misappropriation of taxes and social security resources totaling over $19.353 billion Argentine pesos. The investigation, initiated by the ARCA (formerly AFIP), alleges that the AFA retained taxes and social security contributions between March 2024 and September 2025 that were not deposited within the legally mandated timeframe. 69 separate incidents are currently under investigation.
Despite these legal challenges, Tapia delivered a pointed message at the LPF Play launch, stating, as reported by Radio Valle Viejo, “Many are going to sweat like I used to sweat when it was hot, but they will sweat with shame, because the truth will come to light.” This statement is widely interpreted as a warning to those critical of his leadership and a declaration of confidence in the eventual vindication of his actions.
Early Numbers and Platform Reach
Initial data released by the AFA indicates a promising start for LPF Play. Within three weeks of launch, the platform has reportedly reached 455,000 unique users, generating over 3.3 million views. The broadcasts have been streamed in over 150 countries, with 175 live matches transmitted. These figures, as highlighted by Tapia, are intended to demonstrate the immediate impact and potential of the new platform. He also referenced comments made by Alejandro Domínguez, encouraging a belief in ambitious goals.
The AFA president emphasized the platform’s success as a testament to the organization’s leadership and commitment to developing Argentine football at all levels. He pointed to the national team’s recent successes – including winning the third World Cup and being bicampeones of America – as evidence of a winning culture within the AFA.
What’s Next for LPF Play and Argentine Football?
The immediate focus for LPF Play will be to continue expanding its coverage and improving the user experience. The addition of the Torneo Federal A, Liga Profesional Femenina, and Torneo Amateur will further broaden the platform’s appeal and solidify its position as a central hub for Argentine football fans. The AFA will also be closely monitoring the platform’s performance and gathering feedback from users to identify areas for improvement.
The ongoing legal proceedings involving Claudio Tapia will undoubtedly continue to cast a shadow over the AFA and LPF Play. The outcome of these proceedings could have significant implications for the future of Argentine football. However, the launch of LPF Play represents a proactive step by the AFA to assert control over its broadcasting rights and provide greater access to the sport for fans around the world.
Fans can stay updated on LPF Play’s schedule and content through the official AFA website and social media channels. The next scheduled broadcasts will feature matches from the Primera Nacional and Primera B, offering fans the opportunity to support their local clubs and experience the passion of Argentine football firsthand.
