Football clubs across Argentina are coming together to support those affected by the catastrophic floods in Bahía Blanca. The disaster has claimed at least 16 lives and forced 1,000 people to evacuate.
On Saturday, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced on X that it would send aid, including non-perishable food, hygiene products, and mattresses, to the affected region. The organization also encouraged clubs to organize their own relief efforts.
“The AFA stands with the city of Bahía Blanca in this difficult moment and will send supplies in the next few hours,” the statement read. “We invite all Argentine football clubs to collaborate with the cause!”
The Liga Profesional, which oversees Argentina’s top-tier football league, also urged clubs to get involved. It encouraged fans to support Red Solidaria, a nonprofit organization coordinating donations.
“Bahía Blanca needs us all, and football can’t and won’t stand by the sidelines,” the league stated.
Independiente was one of the first clubs to take action. On Sunday, the club released a video featuring goalkeeper Rodrigo Rey, announcing a donation drive for food, clothing, and hygiene products.
The response was overwhelming. Independiente received so many donations that it extended the deadline twice on Sunday and again on Monday.
“We still don’t know how much we’ve received so far,” a club spokesperson told the Herald. “Fans went above and beyond what we expected, so we’re still sorting out donations.”
Other major clubs, including Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Racing Club, quickly followed suit. Teams from across the country, such as Belgrano in Córdoba and Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, also launched aid campaigns to support those affected by the floods.
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