Argentina’s football federation is facing questions over its financial activity in the United States.
The organisation, known as the AFA, runs football in Argentina. That includes the national team, which won the 2022 World Cup and remains one of the biggest names in international sport.
According to La Nación, U.S. federal prosecutors and FBI agents are looking into financial operations connected to the AFA’s business in the United States.
The investigation is reportedly focused on whether money connected to the federation moved through American banks in a way that could break U.S. law.
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No charges have been announced, and the AFA has not been found guilty of wrongdoing.
What the investigation is about
The case is not about what happens on the pitch.
It is about money, contracts and business deals linked to the AFA outside Argentina. Major football federations often earn money from sponsorships, TV agreements, friendly matches and commercial partnerships.
In this case, investigators are reportedly looking at financial activity involving TourProdEnter LLC, a company connected to Argentine producer and former politician Javier Faroni.
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Described by AS USA, the inquiry includes possible money laundering and bank fraud.
Money laundering is when money from illegal activity is made to look legitimate. Bank fraud involves misleading or deceiving banks or financial institutions.
Large sums under review
The sums being discussed are significant.
La Nación reported that TourProdEnter LLC handled at least 260 million dollars connected to AFA revenue through U.S. bank accounts. AS USA reported that investigators are looking at amounts of more than 300 million dollars.
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That does not automatically mean a crime has been committed. It means investigators are reviewing whether the money was handled legally.
The reported payments are said to include income from commercial partners, sponsorships and other business agreements involving the Argentine federation.
AFA denies wrongdoing
The AFA has previously rejected claims of financial misconduct.
In a statement cited by La Nación, the federation said the allegations were part of a “defamation campaign” against the organisation, AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino.
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The AFA also defended its relationship with TourProdEnter LLC, saying the agreement had been reviewed in both Argentina and the United States “without any irregularity having been detected.”
The federation said the contract was “valid, transparent and subject to the corresponding judicial controls.”
Earlier pressure in Argentina
The U.S. reports come after separate legal activity in Argentina.
Reported by The Associated Press, federal police raided the AFA headquarters and several football clubs in December as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering and tax evasion linked to a financial services company called Sur Finanzas.
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That is a separate case, but it adds to the wider scrutiny around football finances in Argentina.
For now, the key point is simple: U.S. authorities are reportedly examining AFA-linked money flows, but the federation has denied wrongdoing and no public charges have been announced.
