Normal subgroups of the algebraic fundamental group of affine curves in positive characteristic

Abstract

Let $\pi_1(C)$ be the algebraic fundamental group of a smooth connected affine curve, defined over an algebraically closed field of characteristic $p>0$ of countable cardinality. Let $N$ be a normal (resp. characteristic) subgroup of $\pi_1(C)$. Under the hypothesis that the quotient $\pi_1(C)/N$ admits an infinitely generated Sylow $p$-subgroup, we prove that $N$ is indeed isomorphic to a normal (resp. characteristic) subgroup of a free profinite group of countable cardinality. As a consequence, every proper open subgroup of $N$ is a free profinite group of countable cardinality.