Argentina official resignations amid tensions

In late July 2026, Argentina’s sports administration experienced two high‑profile departures. Diógenes de Urquiza resigned as subsecretary of Sports and head of ENARD after the sports portfolio was shifted back to the Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Sports, citing internal government disagreements and a lack of institutional backing. At the same time, Leandro Petersen left his role as director of Marketing and Commercial for the Argentine Football Association, a move linked to a U.S. investigation that named him as a potential witness.

A few days later, early August 2026, the pattern of resignations continued. José Ricardo Ascárate stepped down as director of the provincial regulator ERSEPT following weeks of conflict with subinterventor Ingrid Lausberg, prompting the appointment of Eduardo “Lalo” Cobos to restore stability. The resignation of Diógenes de Urquiza was reiterated, underscoring a broader restructuring of the sports portfolio within the government. Together, these departures illustrate mounting internal tensions across Argentina’s national sports bodies and a provincial public‑service regulator.