A former psychologist who was once connected with Argentina’s national football team has caused an uproar and has everyone talking about him after claiming there was influence to sway the decision of a major World Cup game between Argentina and Spain.
The comments, which came in an interview earlier this week, were picked up by social media and news outlets around the world and sparked discussion among supporters.
The former sports psychologist claimed to have seen “unusual things” when he was with the team.
There were “slight threats and hints” that it “might be better, if Spain should win,” his statement said.
But he did not say who apparently was behind these pressures, nor offer any evidence to support the assertion.
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Experts Urge Caution
Football experts and commentators are sceptical of this claim, pointing out that such claims are “extraordinary” and have yet to be substantiated.
They believe that those who play and coach at the international level in sports like football put in many years to get to the FIFA World Cup and aren’t going to give their chances of winning the biggest prize away.
No evidence and no official response
As yet there is no documentary evidence or testimony from Argentina players, coaches or other team officials that backs the psychologist’s claims.
Similarly, FIFA has not made an official statement on these allegations, nor has the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
While conspiracy theories abound around the large-scale sports events, especially the FIFA World Cup, serious accusations must be backed by credible evidence before they can be taken as fact, experts argue.
The former psychologist’s comments have not been substantiated until concrete proof is given or official investigations are announced.
Also read: Lionel Messi reacts to Argentina’s World Cup final defeat
