Reports of Former Athlete’s Involvement in Manuel Adorni’s Apartment Deal Denied
A controversy involving the real estate dealings of Argentina’s Chief of Cabinet, Manuel Adorni, has expanded to include reports of a former professional footballer’s involvement—a claim the athlete has since categorically denied.
The dispute centers on the acquisition of a high-value property in the Caballito neighborhood of Buenos Aires. While the political implications of the purchase are under judicial scrutiny, the reported link to a sports figure has brought the story into the periphery of the athletic community, though the individual involved maintains they have no connection to the transaction.
The Caballito Property Transaction
Records from the Property Registry, dependent on the Ministry of Justice, indicate that Manuel Adorni signed the deed for an apartment on Miró Street in November 2025. The property is registered at a value of US$230,000.
The residence is a ground-floor unit measuring 199.97 square meters, which includes a proportional share of a garage. According to the registry, the ownership is split evenly, with Adorni and his wife, Bettina Angeletti, each holding a 50% stake in the property. This acquisition occurred approximately two weeks after Adorni’s appointment to the Chief of Cabinet position.
For those unfamiliar with the local geography, Caballito is one of the most established residential areas in Buenos Aires, known for its high real estate value and central location, making the specifics of the financing particularly noteworthy to investigators.
Unconventional Financing and Judicial Scrutiny
The primary point of contention in the investigation is how the apartment was funded. Documentation shows that the purchase was not financed through a traditional banking institution. Instead, the funds originated from a non-bank mortgage provided by two private individuals.
Adriana Mónica Nechevenko, the notary who handled the paperwork, testified before the judiciary that the apartment was acquired via a mortgage where two retirees ceded the property to the official without charging interest. According to Nechevenko’s testimony, Adorni provided an initial cash down payment of US$30,000, with the remaining US$200,000 scheduled for payment by November 2026.
This arrangement, where a loan covers approximately 87% of the property’s value without interest, has prompted a federal investigation. Judge Ariel Lijo, acting on a request from federal prosecutor Gerardo Pollicita, ordered a procedure at the Rucci real estate agency to seize all documentation related to the operations handled by Nechevenko.
The Sports Connection and Denial
Amidst the legal proceedings, reports surfaced suggesting that a former footballer was involved in the sale of the apartment. However, the athlete has since spoken out, stating they have nothing to do with the transaction. This denial comes as the judicial focus remains on the relationship between the buyers and the sellers.
The notary mentioned in the case previously highlighted a personal connection, noting a friendship between Adorni and the son of one of the women who sold the property. This detail is central to the investigation’s attempt to determine if the interest-free terms of the loan were a result of personal ties or other factors.
Broader Asset Portfolio
The investigation has also looked into Adorni’s other holdings. Property records show that the Chief of Cabinet did not sell his previous residence—a home located on Avenida Asamblea in the Parque Chacabuco neighborhood—before acquiring the Caballito apartment.
Adorni has publicly stated that all required assets have been declared, and he is expected to provide his updated sworn financial statement by the end of May.
Summary of the Transaction Details
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Property Location | Miró Street, Caballito, Buenos Aires |
| Registered Value | US$230,000 |
| Property Size | 199.97 square meters |
| Down Payment | US$30,000 (Cash) |
| Remaining Balance | US$200,000 (Due Nov 2026) |
| Financing Terms | Interest-free mortgage from two private individuals |
The case remains open as the judiciary reviews the seized documents from the real estate agency and analyzes the testimony provided by the notary. The next critical checkpoint will be the filing of the official sworn declaration of assets in late May, which may provide further clarity on the source of the funds used for the down payment and the terms of the private loan.
Do you think private, interest-free loans for public officials should be subject to stricter disclosure laws? Let us know in the comments.
