Argentine Soccer Association Leader Implicated in Sexual Abuse Case
The leader of the Argentine Soccer Association (AFA), Javier "Pipo" Marin, was imputed on Thursday in the case investigating sexual abuse of underage football players in the lower divisions of Independiente Football Club.
Judicial sources confirmed to Clarín that Marin's imputation was made in accordance with Article 60 of the Penal Procedural Code of the Province, which implies that the leader was indicated as the author or participant in the commission of a crime.
According to the Télam agency, "Pipo" Marin - who is a regular member of the AFA Executive Committee and vice president of Acassuso Club in the First Division B Metropolitana - voluntarily presented himself yesterday at the UFI 4 in Avellaneda, during which he stated his availability for the investigation and surrendered his cell phone to the justice system. It is believed that the messages on this device are evidence linking him to referee Martin Bustos, one of the seven people detained in the case.
As reported by the newspaper La Nación, the crimes attributed to Marin are "sexual abuse of minors in conjunction with corruption of minors and grooming".
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Two days ago, Marin publicly identified himself and proclaimed his innocence in response to the reports that - although not directly mentioning him but referring to his nicknames and descriptions - linked him to the cases of child abuse reported at Independiente Club.
"I have nothing to do with the case and I am innocent. That is why I am at the disposal of the justice system for whatever they decide", Marin stated at the time.
Marin, who is 39 years old, said he was unaware of the reasons why the media associated him with the case.
Assistant referee Martin Bustos was one of the first individuals arrested in this case on March 24. Marin's phone number was found on his cell phone.
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"It is true that I met some of the defendants in this case due to my involvement in football, and it is true that I had a call with Martin Bustos. However, that was because I also serve as a link between the AFA and the referees," the official said.