Argentina NGO claims alleged sexual abuse at River Plate

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) River Plate will collaborate with authorities after a local NGO reported minors were allegedly abused in the club's youth divisions.

The AVIVI Association for Victims of Rape made a formal complaint before a local prosecutor. AVIVI said on Monday the three minors were allegedly abused from 2004-11. Argentina's La Nacion newspaper reported the complaint was based on information provided by an unnamed doctor who worked at the club for several years.

Officials at River Plate, the NGO, and the prosecutor's office could not be immediately reached for comment.

River Plate said in a brief statement that club officials will go before the prosecutor's office on Tuesday, ''to understand the full extent of the complaint and provide authorities and accusers with all elements available to clarify this situation.''

The abuse accusations come just days after police arrested a referee for his suspected involvement in a child prostitution ring with players from the Independiente club's youth team.

Independiente recently filed a complaint with prosecutors after one of the players who was allegedly abused broke down during a session with a psychologist.

The player also said he maintained sexual relations with men in exchange for money, and that players were recruited to the prostitution ring by another club member.

River Plate and Independiente are two of the biggest, most successful, and popular clubs in soccer-crazed Argentina.