Among the biggest names refused entry was Pillin Bracamonte, recognised as the 'capo' or leader of the Rosario Central barra. South African authorities discovered that Bracamonte had two outstanding criminal investigations on record back in Argentina; one for throwing an explosive device in the World Cup Qualifier between Argentina and Brazil, the other for an attempted murder.
Such events cast doubt on the competency of Argentine authorities in dealing with the hooligan element, as Bracamonte was given judicial clearance to travel abroad despite the grave charges against his name.
Other figures allowed to travel despite previous violent acts include Sergio Gustavo Roldan of the second division club San Martin de Tucuman - he is to be imprisoned in Argentina accused of homicide, but was allowed to leave the country as the paperwork needed to incarcerate him is yet to be completed. A significant proportion of the 80 who travelled also had similar convictions for violent acts. Overall the number of barra brava in South Africa is expected to be around 350, encompassing a multitude of different alliances, factions and rivalries.
