Argentine padel player removed from national team over antisemitic posts

The Argentine Padel Association (APA) has removed amateur player Florencia Guerra Sodero from the national delegation following antisemitic posts on her social media. Guerra Sodero was scheduled to compete in the Pan American Club Championship in Asunción, Paraguay, from October 21 to 24.

The controversy began when Guerra Sodero posted an Instagram story announcing her selection to represent Argentina, which concluded with the phrase: “Except Jews: you are not welcome.” Subsequent investigations revealed a history of similar comments on X, including remarks regarding highway tolls and the Pope.

The APA issued a statement categorically repudiating the expressions, stating that representing the country requires respect for human dignity and that discrimination is incompatible with sporting values. The association has opened a disciplinary procedure under the International Padel Federation (FIP) Code of Discipline.

In a subsequent statement, Guerra Sodero offered her “deepest and most sincere apologies,” admitting the gravity of her conduct. Her lawyer described the posts as a “very bad joke” and an irony, while the Argentine Olympic Committee also condemned the remarks for violating Olympic principles.