FBI Investigates Argentina Football Association over Alleged Financial Crimes

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is under preliminary investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over allegations of wire fraud, tax evasion and money laundering linked to its financial operations in the United States, according to Argentine newspaper La Nacion.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI alongside federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., and Miami, who are examining how hundreds of millions of dollars generated through the AFA's international sponsorship and commercial agreements were transferred through the U.S. financial system.

Investigators are reportedly focusing on TourProdEnter LLC, a Florida-based company hired to manage the AFA's international marketing revenue and financial operations. According to the report, confidential banking records indicate that at least $42 million in AFA income passed through Florida-based shell companies that allegedly have no employees or declared business activity.

U.S. authorities are collecting testimony from sports business experts and key individuals involved in the transactions to determine whether the financial transfers were used to conceal illicit funds or avoid tax obligations.

The FBI probe comes as the AFA continues to face legal scrutiny in Argentina. Domestic authorities previously carried out more than 30 raids at the federation's headquarters, national training facilities and 17 professional football clubs as part of a separate money laundering investigation.

In another ongoing case, AFA president Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino were formally charged by an Argentine federal judge in a tax evasion case involving approximately $13 million. Authorities also froze their assets and temporarily imposed travel restrictions in late 2025.

The AFA has denied all allegations of financial misconduct. In a statement, the federation said its agreement with TourProdEnter LLC had been reviewed by courts in both Argentina and the United States without any irregularities being found.

The governing body also claimed that the accusations and media reports are part of a coordinated campaign aimed at undermining the federation amid ongoing political disputes over the future structure of Argentine football clubs.