FBI investigates AFA over suspected money laundering

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is reportedly under investigation by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over suspected money laundering linked to its financial operations in the United States.

The development comes as Argentina is competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing significant international attention. However, it is important to note that the investigation does not imply that any crime has been proven or that anyone has been charged.

According to Argentine newspaper La Nación, the FBI is examining financial transactions involving Tour Prod Inter LLC, a Florida-based company that has reportedly managed the AFA’s commercial and financial affairs in the United States.

Investigators are reviewing the transfer of approximately $260 million through U.S. banks to determine whether any transactions violated American financial laws, particularly anti-money laundering regulations.

The report claims that around $57 million was transferred to various companies and individuals without an immediately clear commercial or economic justification. The FBI is reportedly analyzing bank records and financial documents to determine whether those transactions complied with U.S. law.

The banks mentioned in connection with processing the transactions include Citibank, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank and Synovus Bank. However, the reports do not accuse any of these banks of wrongdoing; they are referenced solely because they processed the transactions under review.

The investigation has also reportedly expanded to include certain individuals associated with the AFA’s financial operations including AFA President Claudio Tapia. As of now, no criminal charges or indictments have been filed against Tapia or any other AFA official.