– bigsoccer.com”>Argentina‘s Security Minister Warns Against travel to Venezuela Amid Rising Tensions
Buenos Aires, Argentina —[2]Patricia Bullrich, Argentina’s Minister of Security, raised alarm bells this Wednesday about the impending journey of the Argentine Under-20 national football team to Venezuela at the end of January. The team is set to participate in the South American Under-20 Championship, amidst the escalating conflict surrounding the detention of Argentine gendarme Nahuel Gallo.
"To any Argentine, I would not recommend traveling to Venezuela at this moment," said Bullrich, questioning, "Can our Under-20 team go to Venezuela on the 23rd? Could they be taken hostage?"
The Argentine Under-20 team, led by coach Diego Placente, is preparing for the championship that will take place in Venezuela from January 23 to February 16, 2025. The Albiceleste’s group stage matches will be split between the cities of Valencia and Cabudare. If they qualify for the final round, they will play in Caracas and Puerto La Cruz.
Argentina will compete in Group B with powerhouse Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Bolivia. The team’s schedule is as follows:
- Argentina vs. Brazil: January 24, 2025, at 20:30 (Argentina time)
- Argentina vs. Colombia: January 26, 2025, at 20:30
- Argentina vs. Bolivia: January 28, 2025, at 18:00
- Argentina vs. Ecuador: February 1, 2025, at 18:00
The first three matches will take place at the Estadio Misael Delgado in Valencia, while the last encounter will be held at the Estadio Metropolitano in Cabudare. The hexagonal final round will take place from February 4 to 16.
opatria Bullrich’s comments come as tensions between Argentina and Venezuela continue to rise over the detention of Nahuel Gallo, who has been held in Venezuela for over a month. The case has led to a diplomatic standoff between the two countries, putting the safety of Argentine citizens in Venezuela in the spotlight.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the Under-20 team have not yet issued a statement regarding the minister’s comments or any potential changes to their plans for the tournament.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Read also: Sudamericano Sub-20: Cuando Empieza, Convocados yFixture de Argentina
