FBI questions Argentina FA president over $300m probe

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun investigating Argentine Football Association (AFA) President

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun investigating Argentine Football Association (AFA) President Claudio Tapia as part of a wider inquiry into the alleged laundering of more than $300 million in sponsorship funds linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to international media reports, the investigation gained attention after Argentina’s national football team completed its World Cup campaign and was preparing to return to Buenos Aires from the United States on a charter flight.

Reports said US authorities stopped Claudio Tapia before departure and questioned him for approximately 30 minutes. During the questioning, investigators reportedly took possession of his mobile phone as part of the ongoing inquiry into financial transactions connected to the case.

Following the incident, some media outlets reported that Tapia had been arrested. However, the Argentine Football Association strongly rejected those claims. The association said neither Tapia nor AFA Treasurer Pablo Toviggino had been arrested or summoned by any US court.

The football body did confirm that a third individual had received a subpoena to appear before a US grand jury. According to the association, investigators may seek information from that individual regarding certain officials and financial matters linked to the organisation.

US investigators are reportedly reviewing commercial and sponsorship agreements valued at more than $300 million. The inquiry is focused on determining whether any funds connected to those agreements were transferred through the US banking system in a way that could indicate money laundering or other financial crimes.

Investigators are also examining banking records showing that millions of dollars moved through several US financial institutions. Reports suggest that some of the funds remained in certain accounts for only a short period before being transferred to other destinations, prompting further scrutiny of the transactions.

Authorities are analysing financial documents, payment records, and banking activities to determine whether the movement of funds complied with US financial regulations or involved attempts to conceal the origin or destination of the money.

The investigation forms part of a broader examination of financial activities connected to Argentine football. It follows law enforcement operations conducted in Argentina last year as part of separate investigations into suspected money laundering involving football-related finances.