River Plate refuses to release youth players for Argentina U-20 preparation

River Plate has decided not to release three youth players, Tobías Andrada, Lautaro Pereyra, and Santiago Espíndola, for the Argentina Under-20 national team's preparation period. The players were intended to participate in training ahead of the South American U-20 Championship, scheduled for January 2027 in Colombia.

The decision, led by club management under Stéfano Di Carlo, occurs amid escalating institutional tension between River Plate and the Argentine Football Association (AFA), headed by Claudio Tapia. The dispute reportedly stems from disagreements regarding tournament organization and the management model of Argentine football.

The absence of these players requires the U-20 coaching staff to reorganize their planning and find alternatives for the upcoming continental tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the U-20 World Cup.