Tapia's management at the AFA secures the release of Nahuel Gallo after 448 days in Venezuela

Last week marked an important milestone in Argentine sports diplomacy. Nahuel Gallo, the border patrol officer who had been detained in Venezuela since December 2024, finally returned to his country aboard a private plane. Behind this release was the coordinated effort of Claudio Tapia and the Argentine Football Association (AFA), who led negotiations alongside international organizations and diplomatic allies.

The return of the Argentine officer

Gallo had been in captivity for nearly 15 months at the hands of Nicolás Maduro’s regime when authorities finally authorized his departure from Venezuelan territory. His release was not an isolated result but the outcome of negotiations among multiple actors who prioritized the humanitarian aspect of the case.

Pablo Toviggino, a key official in Tapia’s organization and treasurer of the AFA, documented the return trip with a social media post. During a refueling stop in northern Chile, Toviggino shared a photo of the officer aboard the aircraft, enjoying a mate and wearing the national team uniform.

The central role of Tapia and the AFA

Tapia’s presidency at the AFA was not limited to professional football. In its official statement, the organization highlighted that the outcome was possible “thanks to a silent and coordinated effort with the Venezuelan Football Federation and CONMEBOL.” This emphasis on teamwork reflected the diplomatic strategy that characterized Tapia’s management of this delicate matter.

The AFA itself expressed “sincere gratitude to the President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, for her sensitivity and willingness to address this situation.” The statement added: “Sports can also be an effective bridge for understanding and cooperation.” This declaration summarized the philosophy that guided Tapia and his colleagues’ efforts.

The transfer and participation of authorities

Gallo traveled accompanied by Luciano Nakis, AFA’s deputy secretary, and Fernando Isla Cáceres, head of institutional relations. Both officials played active roles within the institutional framework that Tapia mobilized to carry out the operation.

The aircraft used, linked to the AFA through the company Baires Fly, reflected the level of resources the organization allocated to this humanitarian mission. The officer boarded the flight after being released from nearly 450 days of captivity, beginning his return to Argentina.

International diplomatic support

From the Argentine Foreign Ministry, Pablo Quirno, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, publicly confirmed that “Gallo has been released and is now outside the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.” According to official reports, the efforts leading up to this release received decisive support from allied governments and humanitarian organizations.

Argentina expressed its “recognition for the multiple efforts made by allied countries that contributed to exert the necessary international pressure.” These actors included the Italian government, the United States, and the organization Foro Penal, all playing important roles in creating the conditions for his return.

Official assessments

President Javier Milei praised the resolution of the case, stating: “It was a tragedy that our border patrol officer was deprived of his freedom. If he returns for any reason, he is welcome. What matters here is that Nahuel Gallo is back with us.”

Pending issues on the humanitarian agenda

Despite the success in Gallo’s release, the Argentine government reiterated its demand for the “immediate release of Argentine citizen Germán Giuliani, as well as all individuals detained for political reasons.” This call demonstrated that resolving Gallo’s case did not close Argentina’s concerns about other compatriots still in captivity.

The coordination demonstrated by Tapia and the AFA in this effort showed how sports institutions can become relevant actors in humanitarian and diplomatic issues, transcending their traditional roles to contribute to citizen welfare.