Argentine Football Association Under Scrutiny in Multi-Million Dollar Funds Diversion Probe

Widespread Investigation Targets Argentine Football

Argentine justice authorities are conducting a wide-ranging investigation into alleged money laundering, tax evasion, and the diversion of significant funds from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several associated football clubs. The probe has intensified with raids on AFA headquarters and over a dozen clubs across the country, signaling a major intervention into the sport's governance in Argentina.

The investigations are examining various financial irregularities, including opaque arrangements and the suspected use of shell companies to funnel money. The scale of the alleged misconduct has drawn attention from multiple judicial and governmental bodies.

Judicial Actions and Key Entities Under Scrutiny

Federal Judge Luis Armella ordered raids in December 2025 on the AFA's central offices in Buenos Aires, its training complex in Ezeiza, and the premises of at least 17 professional football clubs, including prominent teams like Racing, San Lorenzo, and Independiente. These operations were initiated following criminal complaints filed by Argentina's tax agency, ARCA (Customs Revenue and Control Agency).

Central to the money laundering allegations is Sur Finanzas, a local financing firm that sponsors several AFA tournaments and clubs. Authorities are investigating Sur Finanzas for allegedly facilitating suspicious money transfers and having financial ties to football leadership, including Barracas Central, a team chaired by AFA President Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia's son. Another entity, TourProdEnter LLC, a US-registered company authorized by AFA to collect its global revenue, is also under investigation for allegedly diverting funds to shell companies in Florida.

Allegations Detail Multi-Million Dollar Diversions

The investigations have uncovered several substantial financial discrepancies:

• US$553 million (AR$818 billion): Detected within Sur Finanzas' finances, belonging to shell companies and individuals who reportedly lacked the financial capacity to justify their transactions.
• US$42 million: Allegedly diverted by TourProdEnter LLC to four shell companies in Florida, which were reportedly set up by suspected front men in Argentina.
• US$450 million: The Judicial Inspection Board (IGJ) formally demanded detailed documentation from AFA regarding this amount in its financial statements and those of the Superliga between 2017 and 2024, citing serious doubts about their composition and final destination.
• US$13 million: The tax service accused AFA leaders of withholding this amount in taxes.
• AR$376 million (approximately US$253,000): Allegedly moved out of the country by AFA without proper documentation between 2023 and 2025, with transfers believed to be 'designed to conceal the real destination of the money'.

Investigators are also examining the connection between AFA leadership and a luxurious property in Pilar, featuring a helipad and a collection of 54 luxury cars, which is allegedly linked to AFA officials, particularly Treasurer Pablo Toviggino.

Political Context and AFA's Stance

The ongoing investigations are unfolding amidst a broader political conflict between the AFA and President Javier Milei's government. President Milei has advocated for reforms that would allow football clubs to become private sporting corporations, a move that has met strong resistance from the AFA's leadership.

The AFA has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the accusations as 'politically motivated' and attributing them to pressure from President Milei's administration. AFA officials maintain that the organization's finances are transparent, properly documented, and subject to regular audits.