The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a probe into the finances of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in the United States, focusing on alleged money laundering concerns. Agents have begun gathering information and recording testimonies, according to a report by Fox Sports citing Argentine newspaper La Nacion.
Investigation into AFA Financial Operations
The United States Department of Justice is examining the AFA, led by Claudio Tapia, over how the organization handled hundreds of millions of dollars through its financial system, the report said. The investigation seeks to determine whether any criminal activity was involved.
Last week, during the World Cup, businessman Guillermo Tofoni was questioned by the FBI. The FBI is reportedly looking for witnesses with direct knowledge of operations during the leadership of Claudio Tapia and Pablo Toviggino at the AFA and TourProdEnter LLC, which managed the association's overseas commercial agreements.
Possible Witnesses from Milei Government
According to the report, the Justice Department investigators are also considering summoning former officials from Javier Milei's government who had access to sensitive information about the AFA or intervened, controlled, or supervised its operations during the last few years. The preliminary investigation in the United States began to take shape during 2025.
World Cup Controversy Adds Context
The probe comes amid controversy over Argentina's 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Egypt, which sparked disputes over refereeing decisions and FIFA's handling of the tournament. The controversy centers on a second-half goal by Mostafa Ziko that was ruled out after a VAR review, with officials determining an infringement occurred around 20 seconds before the goal. Egypt was eliminated while Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals.
Egyptian Football Association president Hany Abo Rida has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA against French referee Francois Letexier and his officiating team, according to Spanish publication Diario AS.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of favouring Argentina and captain Lionel Messi. "We looked better than the reigning champions -- better in everything --, but the result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it," Hassan said, according to ESPN. "Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running. In football, there are sometimes external factors that go beyond the technical aspects. The world champion received support at every level."
