Argentina’s Olympic football team charged Friday that cash and electronics were stolen from players’ hotel rooms while they were playing a friendly in Mexico.
Argentina Football Association (AFA) vice president Claudio Tapia said the theft took place when Mexico and the South American team played to a 0-0 draw in the central city of Puebla on Thursday night.
Tapia said the team would stay at the Camino Real hotel until the players are compensated.
It was the last preparation game before both countries compete in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, which starts next Friday.
“When we returned at 11:40 pm and went up to the rooms, we realised that they had been robbed,” Tapia said, without specifying how much money was taken.
“You know what’s the strangest thing? It’s that they have verified and know who is the thief from the (security) cameras, so they are protecting the thief,” he said.
The football official voiced frustration at the various statements the team had to give to the authorities, saying that the paperwork was a “total lack of respect.”
“We won’t leave the country as long as this is not resolved,” Tapia said.
He added that the players needed a notarized document, either from the insurance company or Mexico’s football federation, saying that they will get what they are owed.
Hotel officials could not be reached for comment.
