ANFP History: The Evolution of Professional Football Governance in Chile
The governance of professional football in Chile has undergone a series of transformations over the last century. Long before the current administration took charge, the sport's organizational structure evolved through various entities, driven by disputes over player compensation and the need for a unified national competition.
The journey toward the modern Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) began in the early 1930s, marking the transition from amateurism to a structured professional era.
The Origins of Professionalism
The roots of professional football governance can be traced back to 1933 with the creation of the Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF). This organization was formed by dissident clubs from the Asociación de Fútbol de Santiago (AFS), which had been the first body to organize national football competitions. The split occurred primarily due to a dispute regarding the policy of paying salaries to players.
Several prominent clubs led this movement, including Colo-Colo, Unión Española, Audax Italiano, Magallanes, Santiago National, Green Cross, Morning Star, and Bádminton. To fund the LPF, these clubs utilized the percentage of their income that they had previously been required to submit to the AFS.
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The Path to Consolidation
The division between the LPF and the AFS was short-lived. By 1934, a compromise was reached, leading to a merger of the two entities. This new body was named the Sección Profesional de la Asociación de Fútbol de Santiago.
The organizational structure continued to shift rapidly during the late 1930s. On February 18, 1937, the Asociación de Fútbol Profesional was established. However, this entity lasted only a year; on May 29, 1938, it was replaced by the Asociación Central de Fútbol (ACF).
The ACF provided a long period of stability, serving as the governing body for professional football in Chile from 1938 until the mid-eighties.
The Establishment of the ANFP
The modern era began on October 23, 1987, with the formal establishment of the Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP). The ANFP assumed the responsibilities of its predecessors and continues to manage the professional game in Chile today.
Key Facts
- The ANFP was formally established on October 23, 1987.
- The first professional league, the LPF, was founded in 1933 due to disputes over player salaries.
- The Asociación Central de Fútbol (ACF) was the longest-running predecessor, governing from 1938 to 1986.
- Founding dissident clubs of the LPF included major teams such as Colo-Colo and Unión Española.
Timeline of Governance
| Period | Organization Name |
|---|---|
| 1933 | Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) |
| 1934–1936 | Sección Profesional de la Asociación de Fútbol de Santiago |
| 1937 | Asociación de Fútbol Profesional |
| 1938–1986 | Asociación Central de Fútbol (ACF) |
| 1987–Present | Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the ANFP founded?
The Asociación Nacional de Fútbol Profesional (ANFP) was formally established on October 23, 1987.
Why was the Liga Profesional de Fútbol (LPF) created in 1933?
The LPF was created by clubs that broke away from the Asociación de Fútbol de Santiago (AFS) following a dispute over the policy of paying salaries to players.
Which clubs were part of the original dissident group in 1933?
The dissident clubs included Unión Española, Bádminton, Colo-Colo, Audax Italiano, Green Cross, Morning Star, Magallanes, and Santiago National.
What organization governed Chilean football before the ANFP?
Immediately preceding the ANFP was the Asociación Central de Fútbol (ACF), which governed professional football from 1938 until the mid-eighties.
How long did the Asociación Central de Fútbol (ACF) operate?
The ACF functioned as the governing body for approximately 48 years, from May 29, 1938, until 1986.