AFA breaks silence after reports of FBI probe into president Claudio Tapia

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has strongly denied reports that its president, Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, is under investigation by US authorities over alleged money laundering and financial irregularities involving hundreds of millions of dollars in international commercial deals.

The controversy emerged as Argentina's World Cup-winning squad prepared to return home following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after Argentine outlet Infobae reported that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were examining financial transactions linked to more than $300 million in international sponsorship and commercial agreements.

The report claimed that Tapia and AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino were questioned for nearly 30 minutes at New York's John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport after the World Cup and that US authorities had seized Tapia's mobile phone and electronic devices as part of the investigation.

In response, the AFA issued a firm statement rejecting the allegations, describing the claims as "completely false." The federation said neither Tapia nor Toviggino had been summoned by any US court, faced judicial proceedings, or had any electronic devices confiscated.

However, the AFA acknowledged that a third party had received a subpoena to appear before a grand jury in South Florida and provide documents and communications involving several AFA officials.

The association stressed that the individual is not a current AFA official and did not disclose the person's identity.

According to the reports, investigators are examining the financial operations of TourProEnter LLC, the company responsible for managing AFA's international commercial agreements. The probe is reportedly focused on whether more than $300 million transferred through US banking channels involved money laundering or other financial misconduct.

Investigators are said to be reviewing banking records, corporate documents and witness testimony.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that US authorities have not filed any formal charges against either Tapia or Toviggino. The FBI has also declined to comment publicly on the reported investigation.

While the reports have sparked fresh scrutiny over AFA's financial operations, no formal accusations or judicial actions have been confirmed against the federation's leadership.