The former spouse of Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Palacios has issued a threat to liquidate his World Cup championship medal and final match jersey as a means to settle debts amidst a contentious divorce dispute.
Palacios, presently affiliated with Bayer Leverkusen under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso, contributed to Argentina’s triumph in Qatar, featuring in three matches during the historic campaign. However, more than a year subsequent to the notable victory, his former partner Yesica Frias has asserted that she has disposed of his esteemed memorabilia from the pinnacle of his professional career.
Reportedly, Frias has purportedly auctioned the jersey worn by Palacios during the World Cup final against France, alongside the gold medal conferred upon him. The financial details of these transactions remain undisclosed. Frias has additionally alleged that Palacios neglected financial obligations related to her residence, prompting her decision to sell the memorabilia to facilitate property acquisition.
In a public declaration via her Instagram platform, Frias posted an image featuring an individual holding Palacios’ jersey, accompanied by the caption: “The purchaser of the initial jersey! One installment less.” This was followed by Frias disseminating a photograph shared by the aforementioned individual on his personal account, exhibiting the acquired medal.
The relationship between Frias and Palacios originated in Buenos Aires during the midfielder’s tenure with River Plate. Formalizing their union in 2021, the couple is presently embroiled in the final stages of divorce proceedings.
“I am going to sell all the shirts and the World Cup champion medal to pay for the apartment,” she said on the Argentine TV programme Socios del Espectaculo. “I try to work, but I was four years by his side, he told me that he was not going to finish paying it off because he did not know if it was going to stay with him or not. And I’m just asking for what I deserve, what we did together, and for him to sign the divorce.”
Palacios is presently contending for his inaugural league championship with Leverkusen. Under Alonso’s leadership, the team maintains an eight-point lead over Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga standings. Earlier in the season, the Argentine player expressed admiration for his manager’s tactics and guidance.
“I think I’ve improved here…” Palacios, who joined Leverkusen from River Plate in 2020, said back in November. “Obviously football is very different in South America and Europe. I found it hard in the first years, the first year and a half, because of injuries and the lack of consistency.
“That annoys and frustrates you because I was used to playing almost all the time at River Plate, and then I came here and wasn’t playing because of injuries. It’s a test to see if you’re ready. I feel I’ve improved physically. When I arrived, it would get to the 50th or 60th minute and I was very tired and couldn’t finish the game.
“Then a new coach came and I started playing consistently. There was greater personal and physical care. I think I’ve improved there, but also on the pitch. I’ve improved there, thinking more quickly, deciding better in the moments where you have to decide whether to take a touch or keep the ball a bit more.”