FBI probes Argentine Football Association over alleged money laundering: Report
The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into the financial operations of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in the United States over allegations of possible money laundering, according to a report by Argentine newspaper La Nacion.
The report said investigators are examining how funds linked to the AFA, headed by president Claudio Tapia, were routed through the US financial system and whether any criminal offences may have been committed.
The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of Argentina following its controversial FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over Egypt, a match that triggered widespread criticism over several refereeing decisions.
Florida firm under scanner
According to La Nacion, Florida-based TourProdEnter LLC, which reportedly manages the AFA's financial operations abroad, is a key focus of the investigation.
The newspaper claimed that company executives Gillette and former Buenos Aires legislator Faroni moved hundreds of millions of dollars through accounts held at major US banks, including Citibank, Synovus, Bank of America, JPMorgan and PNC Bank.
Questions over $57 million in transfers
The report alleges that TourProdEnter LLC handled at least $260 million in AFA-related revenue through the US banking system.
However, La Nacion said only a portion of those funds could be directly linked to identifiable operating expenses.
According to the newspaper, another $57 million was transferred to various companies and beneficiaries without a clear economic justification based on the documents it reviewed.
The report further alleges that some of the recipient companies did not appear to provide identifiable services and were controlled by individuals who, according to official records cited by the newspaper, received social welfare benefits and resided in Bariloche or Buenos Aires.
Tapia already facing corruption scrutiny
Tapia has previously been at the centre of corruption-related controversies in Argentina, including an ongoing dispute with Argentine President Javier Milei over the ownership structure of football clubs.
He was also charged with tax evasion in March.
Neither the FBI nor the Argentine Football Association has publicly commented on the reported investigation.
The allegations reported by La Nacion remain under investigation, and no criminal findings have been announced.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
