For the first time, the AFA established as mandatory the use of squad numbers for Primera División matches. Displayed on players' backs, shirts had to be numbered from 2 to 11 so this rule was not mandatory for goalkeepers. The system entered into force since the 9th fixture on June 26.[2][3]
Relegations came back for the 1949 season, with only one team to be relegated. Nevertheless, few weeks before the championship ended, the AFA established that in case of Boca Juniors (which made the worst performance in the club's history)[8] or Huracán finished in the last position, relegations would be annulled. This decision was based on the poor campaign of both teams in the tournament.[9] In the last fixture, Boca beat Lanús 5–1 and could avoid relegation. As Huracán defeating arch-rival Banfield 1–0,[3] Lanús and Huracán finished in the last position, with 26 points each. As goal difference did not count, they had to play a series to define which team would be relegated to the Second Division.[7][1]
As Huracán and Lanús finished both in the last position, a two-legged series in neutral venues (no goal difference allowed) were conducted to define which team would be relegated.
Note: Huracán players left the field at 90', therefore extra time not played. The AFA supported Huracán, alleging that the referee did not known the regulations. The match was annulled and a rematch scheduled to define relegation.
With 2' remaining, Vigo scored the 4th. goal for Huracán, but refereee Bert Cross annulled it after an indication by assistant Parker. Following that, the Huracán players left the field in disagreemnt with the decision. As they refused to come back to the field, Cross finished the match, and the extra time could not be carried out. Huracán players alleged they were waiting for the overtime in the dressing room until they heard the match had been suspended. On the other hand, Lanús requested the AFA they were declared winners according to rules. Nevertheless, on January 12 the association stated it was the referee who had been finished the match on his own therefore no punishment for Huracán players was conducted. The body also stated that Cross was not aware of the rules in case of the tie, and that was the reason he finished the game. As a result, a fourth match would be scheduled to define which team would be relegated. In case of a tie, two extra times of 30' each would be played.[10]
Note: Abandoned at 80', score stood. Huracán won the series 4–2 on points, therefore Lanús was relegated.
When the referee awarded Huracán a penalty kick after a doubtful foul, the Lanús players did not allow Huracán make the kick. The referee decided to suspend the match with 10' remaining. The AFA's Disciplinary Court ruled in favour of C.A. Huracán, declaring them winners of the series so Lanús was relegated to Primera B.[11][12] Unlike the previous match, rules were strictly followed and Lanús lost points due to their players abandoned the field.[1]
Aftermath
Due to its irregularities, the event has been defined as "... one more immorality in the long series of shameful events that the history of Argentine football contains".,[13][14] and "shameful",[15] highlighting the controversial decisions from AFA's Disciplinary Court, using adjectives like "outrageous" to define it.[11]
