The U.S. 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 allegations of financial misconduct involving international transactions.
Investigation Focuses on Financial Dealings
According to reports by La Nacion and Terra, federal investigators have begun gathering evidence and testimony related to the AFA’s financial operations in the United States.
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Investigators are reportedly tracing more than $300 million that moved through several American financial institutions as part of these transactions.
Testimony Gathered as Argentina Competes at World Cup
The probe has continued even as Argentina remains active in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, where the team recently secured a 3-2 victory over Egypt to reach the quarter-finals.
As part of the investigation, FBI agents and federal prosecutors reportedly held a three-hour virtual meeting with businessman Guillermo Tofoni in Miami. The session was aimed at collecting information from individuals familiar with financial activities linked to the administrations of Claudio Tapia and Pablo Toviggino.
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Authorities Reviewing Transactions Through Major U.S. Banks
The inquiry is focusing on financial transactions processed through accounts at Citibank, Bank of America, and JP Morgan. Investigators are assessing whether the movement of funds, particularly during Argentina’s period of strict currency controls, may have breached U.S. federal laws.
AFA Strengthens U.S. Representation
With the investigation attracting growing attention, the AFA has reinforced its presence in the United States. Tomas Regalado, the federation’s representative in North America, recently participated in a football and corruption forum in Miami alongside Argentine criminal defense attorney Mariano Lizardo.
Addressing the ongoing inquiry, Regalado stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing.
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No Charges Filed
At this stage, neither the AFA nor any of its officials have been formally charged in the United States. The Department of Justice and the FBI are continuing to examine the available evidence to determine whether there are sufficient grounds to pursue criminal proceedings.