Guillermo Marconi, born in Argentina, is a former football referee who officiated in Argentine football between 1975 and 1997 and currently leads SADRA (Sindicato de Árbitros Deportivos de la República Argentina). He is also a journalist and a lawyer, and previously served as Undersecretary of Labor of the Nation.
Dissatisfied with the current situation of Argentine football—particularly with its leadership and with Claudio Tapia as president of the AFA—Marconi has publicly denounced what he describes as manipulation of referees carried out by Tapia over the past five years. Toward the end of 2025, the former referee stated that many of those involved were officials who had resigned from SADRA and, in his view, performed poorly in both the lower divisions and the First Division.
The Incidence of Guillermo Marconi in the Trade-Union Sphere
Marconi is regarded as a key reference in the trade-union dimension of refereeing. He founded SADRA in 1998 with the aim—still maintained today—of defending the labor rights of referees. From this general objective, more specific goals emerged. In line with policies previously associated with Julio Grondona regarding the promotion of federal teams and clubs from provincial regions, Marconi sought to consolidate referees trained through the union. Several colleagues participated in the union to collaborate in the education and professional development of other officials.
He also implemented the National Refereeing Course, designed to provide access to standardized training for referees promoted by the union. Marconi stated that SADRA currently represents around 8,500 sports referees, not only in football but also in other disciplines. He further claimed that since 2025, relations with the AFA had deteriorated sharply, alleging attempts by the association to weaken the union by encouraging resignations among its leadership in order to intervene in its governance.
Marconi has played an active role in the trade-union arena of Argentine football. Through SADRA, he openly opposed Tapia’s administration toward the end of 2025, reiterating accusations of referee manipulation. While relations between AFA and SADRA were initially cooperative, conflicts later arose, particularly over referee appointments.
According to Marconi, appointment processes became increasingly opaque for referees affiliated with SADRA. He suggested that several officials resigned as a result, while others who remained were relegated to lower divisions, effectively damaging their professional careers. His stance against the AFA has been consistent, positioning the union as a vehicle for defending referees’ labor conditions.
Toward the end of 2025, Marconi publicly denounced alleged irregularities within the AFA and stated that several executives were involved in judicial cases. As a result, he has increasingly assumed a role as a legal and union representative, articulating his opposition through interviews and public statements.
Relationship Between Referees and the AFA
The Association of Argentine Referees has also become involved in the dispute between SADRA and the AFA. From within Marconi’s union, it has been argued that the AFA has, at times, favored the Association of Argentine Referees while leaving certain SADRA-affiliated officials without adequate protection.
In an interview with Clarín, Marconi criticized the practices of the Association of Argentine Referees and pointed specifically to Federico Beligoy, whom he described in strongly critical terms. Marconi’s influence within SADRA has remained significant, and he has consistently emphasized the defense of the union’s autonomy.
Beyond the National Refereeing Course, Marconi promoted the use of formal contracts for referees in more vulnerable positions within the profession. He also advocated for greater inclusion of referees from the interior of the country and from lower categories.
Between 1975 and 1997, during his years as an active referee, Marconi frequently resorted to legal and media channels to contest AFA decisions. SADRA became a central instrument in this strategy, providing a framework to challenge agreements considered unfavorable to referees.
In recent years, union representation has evolved into a political actor that openly challenges the authority of the AFA. Marconi has been explicit about his differences with Tapia, who has led the association since March 2017. Drawing on his experience as a referee, journalist, and lawyer, Marconi has positioned SADRA as a collective defense mechanism for referees within Argentine football.
