Argentine Women's Championship
The Argentine Women's Football Championship (Campeonato de Fútbol Femenino) is the top-tier league for women's soccer in Argentina, run by the Argentine Football Association (AFA). It features elite clubs vying for the national title and spots in continental competitions like the Copa Libertadores Femenina. Launched in 1991, the league has evolved through suspensions and revivals, now boasting 14–18 teams with matches on club grounds drawing increasing crowds.
History and foundation
The league's history is marked by resilience. River Plate claimed the inaugural 1991 title, but economic woes halted play until 2019's professional reboot by AFA. Boca Juniors has since dominated with wins in 2018, 2020, and 2022, while UAI Urquiza holds five trophies from the 2010s. A milestone came in 2021 with full professional status, including minimum wages. COVID-19 disrupted 2020, yet records in attendance followed the return.
Tournament format
In a double round-robin format, teams play 26–34 matches from October to June. The table-topper is champion; the bottom team relegates to the Second Division. No playoffs, but cup ties like Copa de la Superliga add excitement. The 2023/24 season has 14 teams, including Boca, River, and San Lorenzo, broadcast on TyC Sports.
Interesting facts
High-scoring affairs average 2.8–3.2 goals per game, favoring counterattacks and set pieces. Top scorers include Rocco (Boca) with 25 in 2022 and Yamella (San Lorenzo) at 18 in 2023. Standouts: Elena Sanchez (UAI Urquiza) for assists, Brazilian-Argentine Sofia Romagnoli (Boca) as recent MVP, and River's Milagros for national team exploits at the 2023 World Cup. The league nurtures South American talent.