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10 ways soccer and organized crime mix in Latin America

Soccer has long been a unifying force in Latin America. But 'the beautiful game' has attracted some of the most infamous drug kingpins in the region, something that's corrupted players, officials, and even whole clubs.

4. Fans become gangs, enforcers: Barras Bravas in Argentina

Every sport has bad apples among its fan base, and die-hard soccer fans have some of the worst reputations for inciting violence and unrest. Even so, Argentina's "barras bravas" take it to the next level.

Officially they are organized groups of devoted fans who consistently turn up for their teams' events. In reality, they share much in common with some of the most violent street gangs in the hemisphere. They have been linked to drug dealing, and deadly conflicts occasionally break out among rival team gangs.

Not only do they take kickbacks from the likes of parking fees during the games and other profits associated with the sport, but they are also frequently courted by local politicians and powerbrokers as hired muscle in demonstrations. Because of their influence, the barras are difficult to prosecute and are known for their brazen threats and intimidation. In August 2013, for instance, the head of Argentina's federal police received a death threat believed to have been sent from one of these "soccer mafias."

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Mark Sappenfield
Editor

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