In the third episode of El Presidente ’s sophomore season, titled "AMR," the Amazon Prime Video series continues its deep dive into the labyrinthine corruption of CONMEBOL and the chaotic state of world football governance. Shifting its gaze from the comical absurdity of smaller federations to the heavy hitters of the continent, this episode serves as a pivotal turning point. It marks the formal introduction of one of the most controversial figures in sports history: Ángel María "AMR" Ortiz.
Jadue, for the first time, is speechless. He tries to spin a story about "patriotism" and "growing niche sports." Salinas isn't buying it. He tears the check in half—not with anger, but with quiet disappointment. It is a devastating rebuke. In a show where almost everyone has a price, Salinas stands as a wall of refusal.
The episode introduces the Machiavellian nature of sports marketing. The interaction between Havelange and the Adidas brand is portrayed as a "deal with the devil," setting the stage for the commercialization that would define the next 50 years of the FIFA World Cup. el presidente s02e03 amr
To win the presidency, Havelange realizes he cannot rely on the traditional European powers who favor Rous’s "gentlemanly" (and Eurocentric) approach. Instead, "AMR" focuses on Havelange’s travels through Africa. He exploits the fact that Rous and the old guard have largely ignored the African continent. By promising African federations more spots in the World Cup and financial investment, Havelange begins to build the voting bloc that would eventually lead him to victory in 1974. The Character Dynamics
Meanwhile, the episode splits its focus between two fronts: In the third episode of El Presidente ’s
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"AMR" explores the rise of Ángel María Ortiz, a character based on the real-life historical figures who manipulated the sport for political gain. The narrative arc focuses on a specific, high-stakes CONMEBOL meeting where the future of continental tournaments (like the Copa América) is being decided. The protagonists believe they have the votes secured for reform, but they underestimate the ruthless machinations of Ortiz. Jadue, for the first time, is speechless
The episode opens not in the boardroom of the Chilean Football Federation (ANFP), but on a rain-soaked field in Santiago. Sergio Jadue (Alejandro Goic) is in crisis. The fallout from the previous episode’s bribery exposé has left the federation vulnerable. FIFA’s compliance officers are sniffing around, and the usual bribes via offshore accounts are no longer safe.
The standout element of "AMR" is the introduction of the antagonist. The actor portraying Ortiz brings a menacing, yet charmingly bureaucratic, energy to the role. He is not a shouting villain; rather, he is a calculating bureaucrat who views football purely as a currency for personal power. His scenes are tense, defined by subtle threats and the clinking of glasses in smoke-filled rooms.
While some viewers may miss the soccer politics of previous episodes, the shift to rugby is a clever narrative sidestep. It allows the writers to contrast two sporting cultures: one that embraces the dive and the bribe, and one that (theoretically) rejects it. The episode doesn’t argue that rugby is pure—the AMR money-laundering scheme proves it isn't—but rather that the illusion of honor is the last thing left to burn.
He is portrayed as a visionary but deeply cynical protagonist. In this episode, we see his ability to navigate different cultures and political climates, using his charm and a suitcase full of promises to dismantle the British hegemony over the sport.