Calls Grow for FBI Investigation Into AFA President Claudio Tapia Over Alleged Financial Dealings

Staff Reporter | PNN

As Argentina's national football team prepared to return home after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a new international controversy emerged surrounding Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

Several international media reports have claimed that U.S. federal authorities are investigating financial transactions worth more than $300 million, and that Tapia has been questioned as part of that process.

According to a report by Argentine news outlet Infobae, U.S. federal agents spoke with Tapia and AFA Treasurer Pablo Toviggino for approximately 30 minutes at the airport before the team departed for Buenos Aires following the World Cup.

The report also alleged that Tapia's mobile phone was confiscated and that he was briefly detained during the investigation.

The Argentine Football Association has categorically denied those claims.

In an official statement, the AFA said neither Claudio Tapia nor Pablo Toviggino had been ordered by any U.S. court to provide testimony.

The association also maintained that neither official is the formal subject of any judicial investigation.

However, the AFA acknowledged that a third individual has been summoned to appear before a U.S. federal grand jury.

According to the association, that individual may possess information concerning several AFA officials and certain financial transactions linked to the organization.

The person's identity has not been disclosed because of the ongoing investigation.

International reports claim that several sponsorship and commercial agreements involving the AFA—worth more than $300 million—are currently under scrutiny.

Investigators are reportedly examining whether any money laundering or other financial irregularities occurred through transactions processed via the U.S. banking system.

The reports further allege that banking documents reviewed by investigators contain records of multiple multi-million-dollar transfers.

According to those reports, some of the funds remained in specific bank accounts for a period before being transferred elsewhere.

Authorities are reportedly investigating both the purpose and legality of those transactions.

Despite the allegations, the AFA has maintained its position.

The organization stated that no formal charges, judicial orders, or legal actions have been filed against either President Claudio Tapia or Treasurer Pablo Toviggino.

The association urged the public to treat media reports with caution until official findings are released.

The controversy has generated significant discussion across the international football community, particularly as it emerged immediately after Argentina's World Cup campaign.

However, uncertainty is expected to remain until the investigation reaches an official conclusion.