Why Argentina is trying to ban 13,000 fans from watching World Cup
Argentina is trying to ban 13,000 fans from attending matches at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
The South American nation, which has won the tournament three times now, is cracking down on those who haven't paid child support by providing a list to the United States of all the parents, the majority of whom are fathers, who have defaulted on child support payments.
As per the Spanish outlet AS, Argentine officials are keen to make sure such individuals who haven't supported their children financially can't travel to the States in order to support their team.
Buenos Aires Mayor Jorge Macri has asked US authorities to flag those parents during stadium entry checks at the various World Cup venues.
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"Those who fail to meet a responsibility as fundamental as feeding their children must face the consequences," he explained. "If they do not provide for their children, they will not be allowed into the stadium."
The move is part of a national government initiative called 'Safe Stands', which seeks to identify and punish parents who are able to find the money to attend sporting events while neglecting the basic needs of their children.
As well as alerting US officials about those with outstanding child support debts, the wider list also includes those who have a history of committing violent crimes.
"The list includes more than 15,000 people who will be banned from stadiums," Minister of National Security Patricia Bullrich said. "For us, this is extremely important because no violent person who has committed any crime in Argentine stadiums will be able to attend this sporting event."
The initiative has received widespread support from Argentinians and people across the globe, with one social media user reacting: "Imagine having to do this to make men pay. Just like my ex. Embarrassing."
"As a single mom who raised two kids, I love this!" praised a second as a third chimed in: "That's the ultimate accountability check! Massive respect for Argentinian Govt."
A fourth penned: "So funny how we literally have to treat them like children and take their privileges away to make them act right."
"Withholding child support is a form of financial abuse - well done Argentina!!!" wrote a fifth as a sixth beamed: "Well played Argentina!"
A seventh exclaimed: "Oh my god, I love this so much."
"I hope England follows suit," mused another and a final supporter added: "In a world of bad news stories, finally something practical and rational!"
Topics: World Cup, World News, Football, Sport, Parenting
Rhiannon Ingle