Chilean President Kast Appoints New Sports Minister Amid Controversy

Chilean President José Antonio Kast has appointed Francisco Riveros, a lawyer and former general manager of the Palestino football club, as the new minister of Sport. Riveros, 44, takes over from Natalia Duco, who resigned after a complaint surfaced regarding the alleged misuse of a government vehicle.

Kast stated the need to "significantly improve the approach to how sports are handled in all areas," highlighting "enormous" challenges ahead. Riveros previously worked on the organization of the Santiago 2023 Pan American and Parapan American Games as legal and corporate affairs manager and had been advising the presidency.

Duco, 37, is the third minister to leave Kast's cabinet this year. Her departure followed revelations of a video showing her using a state vehicle for a private event, contradicting her justification of a work-related meeting. Duco had faced earlier criticism for a past doping violation and for supporting the rodeo as a national sport. The controversy surrounding the BTS K-pop group's use of the National Stadium for concerts was another recent challenge she navigated.

Riveros' appointment comes at a time when the government aims to address various issues within the sports sector. His experience in sports management and legal affairs is expected to bring a new perspective to the ministry.

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improve much everything that is the approach to how the issue of sport is done in all areas