The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has come under the lens of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as the agency probes allegations of financial fraud and money laundering tied to over $300 million in AFA business transactions.
Reports by the Miami Herald indicate that federal agents are investigating whether funds associated with the AFA were funneled through shell companies in South Florida and then transferred through U.S. Banks and corporations in what could potentially be a violation of U.S. Financial regulations.
AFA President Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino’s financial dealings reportedly have come under investigation.
The FBI has also reportedly interviewed Argentine sports business entrepreneur Guillermo Tofoni regarding the organization’s international commercial contracts and its 2021 arrangement with Florida-based TourProdEnter LLC to manage AFA’s international sponsorships.
Investigators are considering whether TourProdEnter’s financial setup and its international transfers constitute bank fraud or money laundering. No charges have been laid in the United States or Argentina to date, with the FBI’s Miami field office choosing not to provide comment.
The AFA has not released a statement as the reigning world champions continue their quest for a sixth World Cup trophy and are preparing for a quarter-final matchup with Switzerland on Tuesday.
Legal professionals expect the investigation process to last for several years because of its international scope.
