Bilardo Blasts Disgraceful State of Argentine Soccer

• Reuters, Wednesday, September 26, 2007 3:45 PM

Carlos Bilardo, who coached Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title and second place at the 1990 finals, launched an outspoken attack on the state of soccer in Argentina and its soccer leadership. Bilardo said it was time for Argentina soccer federation (AFA) president Julio Grondona to go.

"I feel shame when I see the state of Argentine football," Bilardo told La Nacion. "The security matter is a disgrace, the standard of refereeing is worrying ... the clubs are in a mess and don't have enough money even to buy grass."

Bilardo added that the day Grondona leaves, a lot of problems will be solved. Grondona has been president since 1979. Bilardo doesn't see Grondona leaving any time soon, however. "I've given up on being AFA president, because the strongest 20 clubs support this leadership," he said. "Nowadays, trying to be president of the AFA is like banging your head against a wall, you have to fight everyone and I'm tired of that. If all the 2,800 clubs in this country had a vote, it wouldn't be a problem, I tell you that I'd win. But only 49 have the vote."

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