Boca Juniors must worry: controversial defender not allowed at Club World Cup

Boca Juniors face a significant setback just days before their debut in the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Central defender Ayrton Costa will not be allowed to travel to the United States for the tournament after being denied a visa due to an unresolved legal situation in Argentina. The 25-year-old has been flagged for a probationary sentence related to a past criminal case, leaving his participation in the competition officially ruled out.

Costa, who spent the first half of the previous season on loan at Belgian side Royal Antwerp, had returned to Boca in January and quickly reestablished himself as a key figure in the defensive setup. Head coach Miguel Ángel Russo had included him in the squad submitted for the Club World Cup, and he was expected to start in the group stage opener against Portuguese runners-up Benfica, scheduled for midnight on June 17.

The legal issues preventing Costa’s travel date back to an incident on June 18, 2018. At that time, Costa was stopped by police along with two accomplices while fleeing the scene of a house robbery in Bernal, in northeastern Argentina. He was accompanied by his older brother, Carlos Anselmo Costa, and another man, Mariano Francisco Panebianco, who tragically died in 2024. The three were reportedly unarmed and the stolen items were recovered, so although they were detained, they were not formally arrested. However, Costa was placed under probation as a result of the incident a condition that remains active and, under U.S. immigration law, is considered grounds for inadmissibility.

To complicate matters further, Costa was also named as a witness in a separate and tragic case in 2023, following the death of his former sister-in-law, 21-year-old Agustina Belén Aguilar. She was found unconscious in the home of Costa’s brother Carlos, and later declared dead from an apparent overdose. Costa was the one who called for help, but despite suspicions from the victim’s family, he was only questioned as a witness and ultimately cleared of any involvement.

Because of the open status of his probation, Costa’s visa request was denied. As per tournament rules, Boca Juniors had already registered their final squad, and while they still hoped for a late solution, the legal limitations proved too strict to overcome in time. Head coach Russo expressed disappointment, stating that Costa is an important player and that the club had done everything in its power to make his inclusion possible.

Without Costa, Boca will be forced to make defensive adjustments. Marcos Rojo is expected to lead the back line, likely paired with Nicolás Valentini. The absence of Costa also reduces depth in central defense, with Lucas Blondel or Facundo Roncaglia providing backup. There is also a possibility that young prospect Aaron Anselmino could be promoted into the squad, but time is running short, as roster changes are only allowed up to 48 hours before the first match.

Boca’s challenge in Group C is formidable. Following their clash with Benfica, they will face European powerhouse Bayern Munich and OFC Champions League winners Auckland City. Only the top two teams in each group progress to the knockout stages, meaning that any defensive weakness could have costly consequences. Benfica arrive in strong form and bring a technically skilled, fast-paced team that will test Boca’s reshuffled defense from the start.

Aside from the sporting implications, there are also administrative and financial consequences for Boca. Costa’s absence affects commercial plans, including promotional materials, sponsorship events, and potential transfer exposure. There had been interest from clubs in the United States, and the Club World Cup was seen as a valuable showcase for the defender.

For Costa personally, missing this tournament is a major blow. At 25 years old, he is entering the prime years of his career, and the opportunity to face elite European clubs on a global stage could have significantly boosted his profile. Remaining in Argentina while his teammates compete abroad is a frustrating outcome, especially since it stems from a long-standing case that, in footballing terms, had long seemed behind him.

The situation also brings broader questions into focus. With the Club World Cup hosted in the United States, visa policies and background checks are a growing concern for clubs with players who may have legal records or complications in their home countries. Several South American teams are reportedly reviewing internal procedures to pre-screen players months in advance, to avoid similar incidents.

Despite the setback, Boca Juniors remain focused on the task ahead. Training sessions in Miami have emphasized compact defensive organization and quick counterattacks. The team is rallying around the situation, determined to perform at the highest level even without one of their key players.

Whether this forced reshuffle will impact Boca’s ambitions will become clear on June 17, when they take the field against Benfica. The 2025 Club World Cup, now a 32-team tournament with global attention, is filled with drama and for Boca Juniors, the story of Ayrton Costa’s absence is one of the tournament’s most compelling early headlines.