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BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Nov 20 - In Argentina, few things inspire passion like soccer.

But Argentines are increasingly cynical about the national pastime as fan violence, allegations of death threats and suspicions of match-fixing have plunged the game into a deep crisis.

Some sports commentators have likened the turmoil to the scandal that roiled Italian soccer earlier this year and urged the season be called off. Many fans have watched in disbelief.

"I thought I'd seen it all. Strange things have always happened in Argentine soccer, but this is getting surreal," said Jorge Barros, a 37-year-old electrician.

Over the weekend, a season already hit by fan violence appeared to take a turn for the worse. Most games were played in nearly empty stadiums after authorities banned visiting fans from matches for the remainder of the season because of increasing violence in the stands.

On Sunday, one match was called off hours before it was scheduled to start when supporters of two popular teams, Racing Club and San Lorenzo, blocked team buses from traveling to the stadium, angry over a decision ordering the game to be played behind closed doors because of security concerns.

In recent days, players have also threatened to strike, saying they are worried about their safety, and public prosecutors investigated death threats by fans of the Gimnasia-La Plata club urging their team to throw a game to damage a rival's chances of winning the tournament.

The probe followed charges earlier this year that Gimnasia's team president barged into a dressing room at halftime and threatened the game's referees.

Newspaper headlines on Monday captured the mood, talking of "soccer's chaos" and the game being "out of control."

"It's hard to take the game seriously at this point," said Pablo Colares, 42, a tour guide.

'THE GAME HAS BEEN CORRUPTED'

Fan violence has plagued much of the Apertura tournament since it began in August, leading to the suspension of at least three matches. Argentina's championship is one of South America's best, and leading players eventually head to some of the top clubs in Europe.

The league troubles have again turned the spotlight on so-called "barrabravas" -- organized fans often accused of violence who frequently are financed and given tickets by many clubs.

But many Argentines say the recent chaos also has exposed what they say is the sport's unsavory side.

Recent newspaper reports have painted Argentina's professional leagues as ensnared in conflicts between powerful businessmen and politicians with links to clubs, and barrabrava fans who also act as goon squads for elected political officials.

"The game has been corrupted," said mechanic Manuel Castillo, 51.

On Monday, players were expected to meet again to decide whether they will continue playing in the championship.

But some commentators said the game had already been dealt a tremendous blow.

"The Italian championship has been cast as the most corrupt in the world. And here at home?" sports columnist Juan Pablo Varsky recently wrote in the Buenos Aires daily La Nacion.

"Between us all, we have achieved it: We have the worst soccer in the world."