The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into the financial operations of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in the United States, according to a report by Argentine newspaper La Nacion.
The report alleges that the AFA, led by President Claudio Tapia, is being investigated over suspected money laundering. Authorities are reportedly examining how the association transferred funds through the U.S. financial system and whether any criminal offences were committed.
The investigation comes amid continued controversy following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 victory over Egypt, where several refereeing decisions drew widespread criticism.
According to La Nacion, Florida-based company TourProdEnter LLC, which manages the AFA’s financial operations in the United States, is also under investigation.
The newspaper claims that TourProdEnter LLC handled at least US$260 million in AFA revenue through accounts at major U.S. banks, including Citibank, Synovus, Bank of America, JPMorgan, and PNC Bank. While part of the funds was linked to legitimate operating expenses, the report alleges that US$57 million was transferred to companies and individuals without a clear economic justification.
The report further claims that some of the recipient companies did not appear to provide identifiable services and were allegedly controlled by individuals receiving social welfare benefits in Argentina.
Claudio Tapia has previously faced scrutiny over corruption-related allegations and remains involved in a dispute with Argentine President Javier Milei regarding the ownership structure of football clubs. He was also charged with tax evasion in March.
The FBI has not publicly announced any charges against the AFA or its officials, and the investigation remains ongoing.
