San Lorenzo and former midfielder Ignacio Piatti failed to reach a settlement during a judicial hearing on Thursday, leaving a multimillion-dollar legal dispute active as the threat of an auction hangs over the club’s administrative headquarters. Legal representatives for both parties met at midday, where San Lorenzo presented a revised payment offer that was ultimately rejected by the player’s legal counsel.
The Financial Scope of the Piatti Claim
The financial dispute stems from a September 25, 2024, ruling by Chamber of Appeals Sala I, which ordered San Lorenzo to pay Piatti a total of USD 4.369.889,11. The debt originates from Piatti’s second stint with the club, which began in early 2020 under the presidency of Marcelo Tinelli. During that period, the midfielder made 10 appearances, completing the full 90 minutes in only one match, before the club executed a unilateral contract rescission late that year.
According to court filings, the verified breakdown of the USD 4.369.889,11 judgment comprises:
- Indemnification items for the player: USD 2.292.716,47
- Legal representation fees for the plaintiff: USD 786.648,42
- Legal representation fees for the defendant: USD 611.880,16
- Interest on indemnification items: USD 458.543,29
- Accounting expert fees: USD 137.562,98
- Court tax: USD 82.537,79
Details of San Lorenzo’s Rejected Proposal
To address the financial liability, San Lorenzo’s legal team put forward an upgraded compensation package during the latest hearing. The proposal included a substantial cash payment alongside a percentage of future player transfers and the assignment of television broadcast rights. However, the club noted that these broadcast revenues are currently encumbered by prior judicial agreements with other creditors, including midfielder Lucas Menossi—who receives USD 80.000 per month across two separate claims—and Fabricio Coloccini, who is owed USD 55.000 per month.
Because Piatti and his legal advisor turned down this second structured offer, the legal battle continues. Discussions remain open, leaving room for a potential extrajudicial settlement should the club table a more lucrative offer.
Legal Precedent and the Threat to Avenida La Plata
The core of the dispute centers on the legal classification of Piatti’s departure in late 2020. Initially, the Court of First Instance ruled in favor of San Lorenzo on April 20, 2023, validating clause 6.4 of the player’s contract under the principle of good faith and ordering a payout of USD 850.000,00 plus back pay, holiday compensation, and year-end bonuses (SAC). However, the September 2024 appellate ruling completely reversed that decision, declaring the clause void under labor laws and applying Article 15 of Collective Bargaining Agreement 557/09, which mandates compensation through the natural expiration date of the contract on June 30, 2022.
Compounding the pressure on the institution, Piatti secured an attachment order against San Lorenzo’s social headquarters located at Avenida La Plata 1782 in March 2025. Without an agreed-upon settlement, the plaintiff retains the legal mechanism to advance toward a public auction of the property to satisfy the multi-million dollar judgment.
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