As reported by GIVEMESPORT, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched a formal investigation into the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over allegations of money laundering and fraud, according to La Nacion. The inquiry has emerged during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placing one of football’s most influential governing bodies under intense scrutiny.
The investigation is being led by federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue and Christopher Ting, alongside Michael Berger, who previously prosecuted former Ecuadorian Comptroller General Carlos Ramón Polit Faggioni in a high-profile money laundering case. US authorities are examining whether the alleged financial activities fall under American jurisdiction, with a preliminary investigation reportedly beginning in 2025 to gather evidence and witness testimony.
FBI examining alleged $300 million in financial transactions
According to the report, investigators are focusing on claims that approximately $300 million may have been moved through questionable financial operations linked to the AFA.
The FBI is reportedly seeking testimony from individuals with direct knowledge of the association’s finances during the leadership of current AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and senior official Pablo Toviggino.
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Tapia is also facing a separate tax evasion case filed by the government of Argentine President Javier Milei, adding further pressure on the federation’s leadership.
Miami-based company at the centre of the investigation
A key focus of the inquiry is TourProdEnter LLC, a Miami-based company owned by theatre producer Javier Faroni, which handled the AFA’s international commercial revenue.
Investigators reportedly believe the company managed at least $260 million on behalf of the AFA. However, documents cited in the report suggest that only a relatively small portion of those funds can be directly accounted for through Tapia’s operating expenses since he assumed control of the federation in 2017.
Authorities are also examining allegations that Faroni and his wife, Erica Gillette, transferred hundreds of millions of dollars through accounts held at several major US banks, including Citibank, Synovus, Bank of America, JPMorgan and PNC Bank.
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Among the transactions under review is a reported $57 million that was distributed to various individuals and companies without an apparent commercial justification. Some of the recipients are said to be companies linked to individuals who were simultaneously receiving social welfare benefits while living in Buenos Aires or Bariloche.
Probe extends beyond current AFA officials
The investigation is also reportedly examining former officials from President Milei’s administration who may have had access to sensitive information relating to the AFA’s commercial operations involving TourProdEnter LLC.
In addition, Pablo Toviggino and members of his family have reportedly been linked to further financial transfers, as well as to an individual described in the report as a “spiritual guide” to the Argentina national team.
As GIVEMESPORT notes, the allegations represent a significant challenge for the Argentine Football Association. While the FBI’s investigation remains ongoing and no criminal findings have been announced, the case has the potential to become one of the most significant off-field controversies involving the reigning world champions.
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