Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro has launched a passionate criticism of modern football, accusing commercial interests of driving ordinary supporters away from the World Cup through soaring costs and excessive commercialization.
Speaking during an unscheduled media session on Sunday, the outspoken Argentine expressed concern that football is drifting away from its roots, with many loyal fans struggling to afford the expense of attending the tournament.
Alfaro said he hopes more Paraguay supporters can make the journey to back the national team, but acknowledged that travel and ticket prices have become increasingly prohibitive.
“Many people I know are having a very difficult time because travelling today is extremely expensive,” Alfaro said. “World Cups have become inflated in every sense — the costs, the expenses, everything. That’s why you begin to understand the enormous sacrifice fans make just to buy a ticket and support their team.”
The 62-year-old argued that football’s essence is being overshadowed by commercial interests.
“Football is losing its identity,” he said. “Football cannot simply be a business; it has to remain football. Right now, only a very select group of people can fully enjoy it.”
Alfaro reflected on the sport’s humble beginnings, describing football as a game that historically belonged to ordinary people.
“Football belongs to everyone, especially to the poorest,” he said. “For many children, a football was the cheapest toy they could play with. Sometimes even that was difficult to afford, but one ball allowed 22 people to play. That is the beauty and power of football, and that’s what we need to protect.”
The Paraguay boss also criticised the growing commercial influence during matches, suggesting that hydration breaks are increasingly being used for marketing purposes rather than player welfare.
“It’s a commercial break, not a hydration break,” Alfaro remarked. “The game is getting out of hand.”
Despite his concerns about the direction of the sport, Alfaro remains focused on Paraguay’s World Cup campaign. Following a heavy 4-1 defeat to the United States in their opener, Paraguay revived their hopes with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Türkiye and now face Australia in a decisive Group D clash.
Alfaro said Paraguay’s identity is built on resilience and overcoming adversity, qualities he believes will be crucial in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
“We come from humble beginnings. We were born from adversity,” he said. “Maybe on paper we are considered smaller than many of the teams at this World Cup, but we never feel inferior. When we stand together, we become stronger.”
He added that Paraguay’s journey is about more than results, hoping the team can inspire young footballers watching from home.
“We want to show every kid playing football in the street that determination, unity and belief can take you anywhere. That’s the message we want to deliver.”
