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The FBI has launched a probe into the financial operations of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in the United States. This comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, with the AFA led by Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia. According to Argentine newspaper La Nación, investigators from the US Department of Justice have begun taking testimony from individuals with knowledge of the AFA’s financial activities in the United States.

You see, the AFA is being accused of channeling hundreds of millions of dollars through the US financial system and potentially violating US laws. To get to the bottom of this, US authorities are considering interviewing former officials in the Argentine government who may have had oversight or knowledge of the AFA’s operations.

It turns out that the AFA had dealings with a company called TourProdEnter LLC, which managed at least $260 million in revenue for the AFA. However, bank records show that only a small portion of these funds can be directly linked to identifiable operating expenses of the AFA. Another $57 million was distributed among various companies and beneficiaries whose economic justification is not apparent.

Businessman Guillermo Tofoni, an alleged participant in the AFA’s financial activities, reportedly took a three-hour virtual interview with federal prosecutors and FBI agents based in Washington, D.C., and Miami. However, when contacted by La Nación, Tofoni declined to confirm or deny the meeting.

The US Department of Justice has not responded to La Nación's request for comment on the status of the investigation before publication. The AFA also stressed the importance of the presumption of innocence. The probe is being led by federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue and Christopher Ting in Washington, D.C., alongside Michael Berger in the Southern District of Florida.

Here are the key facts:

  • $260 million in revenue for the AFA was managed by TourProdEnter LLC.
  • Only a small portion of the funds can be linked to identifiable operating expenses.
  • $57 million was distributed among several companies and beneficiaries.
  • The FBI is investigating potential money laundering or fraud.
  • Former officials in the Argentine government may be interviewed.
  • The probe is being led by federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue, Christopher Ting, and Michael Berger.

US authorities seek witnesses with direct knowledge of the AFA’s financial activities to shed light on the allegations.

Context-wise, it’s worth noting that the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already brought a lot of attention to the AFA and its financial dealings. This probe could potentially impact the AFA's reputation and standing in the international football community.

The Argentine Football Association was founded in 1893.

The AFA is responsible for overseeing football in Argentina, with a strong focus on developing the sport and promoting its global influence. With the probe underway, the AFA's financial dealings will likely come under even more scrutiny.

FBI agents are considering interviewing former officials in the Argentine government to gather more information.

The investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will likely be closely watched by both football fans and the general public. The AFA's financial dealings will be under the microscope, and any potential wrongdoing will be exposed.