Argentina may be making headlines on the pitch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but off the field, the country’s football association is now facing scrutiny from US authorities.
According to multiple reports, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have launched a preliminary investigation into the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its president, Claudio Tapia, over possible financial irregularities involving hundreds of millions of dollars that allegedly flowed through the United States.
US$300 million in financial transactions
Investigators are examining how more than US$300 million linked to the AFA’s international commercial agreements was channelled through US banks and companies.
Authorities are reportedly investigating whether the financial transactions may have involved offences such as money laundering or wire fraud, and whether US financial institutions were misled about the nature or purpose of the funds.
The investigation is also said to involve TourProdEnter LLC, a company that allegedly managed the AFA’s overseas commercial revenue.
What investigators are reportedly looking into
According to reports, authorities are examining whether:
- More than US$300 million linked to the AFA was moved through several US banks as part of its international commercial dealings.
- Some of the money was allegedly channelled through TourProdEnter LLC, a company said to have managed the AFA’s overseas revenue.
- About US$57 million was reportedly transferred to various companies and beneficiaries without a clear business purpose.
- Tens of millions of dollars were also allegedly paid to companies that appeared to provide no identifiable services.
No charges filed as investigation continues
Reports also stated that investigators recently interviewed businessman Guillermo Tofoni via video conference and are seeking additional witnesses familiar with the AFA’s financial operations.
At this stage, no criminal charges have been filed against the AFA, Claudio Tapia or TourProdEnter LLC in either the United States or Argentina.
The FBI has not publicly commented on the reported investigation, while neither the AFA nor TourProdEnter LLC has publicly responded to the latest allegations.
AFA representative urges presumption of innocence
Responding to the growing attention surrounding the case, AFA representative in North America Tomás Regalado called for the public to respect the presumption of innocence. He stressed that investigative measures alone do not determine responsibility or guilt, noting that authorities are still assessing whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue a criminal case.
For now, the investigation remains at a preliminary stage as Argentina continues its World Cup campaign.
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