Buenos Aires – Argentine gendarmery officer Nahuel Gallo has been released from Venezuelan detention and returned to Argentina, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed Sunday. The AFA provided an aircraft for Gallo’s repatriation following more than 448 days in custody.
The release followed a diplomatic effort involving the AFA and the Venezuelan government, with the AFA expressing gratitude to Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez for her “sensitivity and disposition” in resolving the situation. “We express our most sincere gratitude to the President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, for her sensitivity and willingness to address this situation, demonstrating that sport can also be an effective bridge for understanding and cooperation in a humanitarian action of this magnitude,” the AFA stated in a press release.
The AFA also acknowledged the role of the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) in facilitating contact and enabling the negotiations. “Likewise, we recognize the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) for facilitating the contact that allowed this approach, reaffirming that the ties built through football can positively contribute to the well-being of our nations,” the statement continued.
Gallo’s detention in Venezuela had remained a sensitive issue between the two countries. Details surrounding his initial arrest and the charges against him have not been publicly disclosed by either government. The AFA’s direct involvement in securing his release marks an unusual intersection of sports diplomacy and a sensitive consular matter.
According to reports, the aircraft used for Gallo’s return is operated by Baires Fly, a company associated with AFA President Claudio Tapia. Tapia has previously used aircraft from the same company for travel related to AFA business, including the 2025 FIFA World Cup draw in the United States and the final match of the 2025 Clausura tournament in Santiago del Estero.
Recent reporting has linked FVF President Jorge Giménez to Venezuelan political figures, including Delcy Rodríguez, and raised questions about his business dealings. An investigative report from September 3, 2025, detailed allegations of Giménez’s connections to PDVSA, the CLAP food distribution program, and close ties to Rodríguez. The report, published by Newsdigitales, also noted concerns about political control over the FVF, citing the position of PSUV leader Pedro Infante as the federation’s first vice president.
As of Monday, March 2, 2026, the Venezuelan government has not issued a public statement regarding the conditions of Gallo’s release or the broader implications for diplomatic relations with Argentina. The AFA has not announced any further planned engagements with Venezuelan officials beyond the successful repatriation of Gallo.
