Former Pellegrini Pupil Launches Harsh Criticism of Modern Football: "It's Legalized Human Trafficking"

Argentine forward Ezequiel "Chimy" Ávila has delivered a scathing critique of the modern football industry, likening the business of the sport to a legalized form of human trafficking and mercenary exploitation. Speaking on the podcast "Referentes," the striker reflected on the treatment of athletes throughout their careers.

"Football is human trafficking. Do you make money? Yes, the player makes money until he scores goals or until he serves a purpose. Then you become an old machine, and they need to have a new machine," Ávila stated bluntly. His comments come after an abrupt departure from Real Betis. Despite his expressed desire to fulfill his contract in Spain, the club's management decided to terminate his agreement early. Ávila concluded his tenure with the Seville-based club after 68 appearances and eight goals.

Regarding his professional future, Ávila is weighing options between continuing in Europe or returning to Argentina. Boca Juniors has emerged as a primary suitor, as the "Xeneize" club urgently seeks a center forward following a spate of injuries in that position. However, the transfer is complicated by the fact that the Argentine football transfer window has already closed. Boca Juniors must sell or loan a player from its current squad to a foreign club to obtain an extension that would allow them to register "Chimy," making his signing a race against time.

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Football is human trafficking. Do you make money? Yes, the player makes money until he scores goals or until he serves a purpose. Then you become an old machine, and they need to have a new machine.