«Barras», police officers and sport officers. About the government of security in Argentinean football

Abstract

In this article, we propose a reflection on the modes of regulation of violence in Argentine football based on a triple pact that involves «barras», police officers and sports leaders. We analyze for that the relationships and exchanges between these actors. Within this framework, we describe the ways in which a tacit pact is configured, with invisible links and interdependence logics through which violence is regulated and the security government is administered. Finally, we seek to show how these forms of interrelation and the legitimacy of certain violent actions enable the management of illegal markets and the development of identity processes.