(Reuters) Four people have been killed in soccer-related violence this year and a fresh outbreak of violence at the weekend at two leading matches increased the pressure on the government to act.
The government's Secretary for Sports and Tourism, Daniel Scioli, said a meeting of leading officials had decided against a ban but he would send an emergency bill to Congress proposing life prison sentences for murder at sporting events.
At present under Argentine law, murder is punishable with eight to 25-year jail terms, and life sentences can only be given for what are considered aggravating circumstances.
"We are sending the new bill on security at sports events so that, if possible, it can be dealt with by both chambers [of Congress] by the weekend," Scioli said.
The Argentine government has backed down from its threat to suspend domestic soccer, which has been hit by a wave of violence off the field, instead demanding tougher penalties for hooligans.
