MEXICO CITY — Ana Gabriela Guevara, former Olympic medalist and ex-head of Mexico’s National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE), is facing mounting accusations of embezzlement and corruption following revelations of a scandal involving nonexistent Cuban coaches.
Guevara, who led CONADE from 2018 until her departure in 2024, is alleged to have authorized millions of pesos in payments for the recruitment of Cuban sports coaches who, according to investigators, never arrived in Mexico and may not exist at all. The phantom hires were part of a broader pattern of financial irregularities uncovered during audits of her administration.
The scandal has reignited scrutiny over Guevara’s tenure, which was marked by frequent clashes with athletes and persistent complaints of mismanagement. A 2024 report revealed that over 626 million pesos in public funds were unaccounted for during her time in office. Critics say the Cuban coach’s affair exemplifies the impunity and lack of oversight that plagued her leadership.
Rommel Pacheco, current CONADE director and former Olympic diver, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that Guevara may face legal consequences if the allegations are substantiated. Civil society groups and sports federations have called for a full audit and criminal proceedings.
Guevara, once celebrated for her athletic achievements, has yet to respond to the latest accusations publicly. Her fall from grace underscores the challenges of transitioning from sports icon to public official, and the risks of politicizing national sports institutions.
As Mexico’s anti-corruption watchdogs dig deeper, the case could become a defining moment in the country’s efforts to clean up its sports bureaucracy and restore trust among its athletes.
Source: Azteca Noticias
