Argentine: President of the federation targeted by FBI investigation

The president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. According to Argentine media outlet Infobae, FBI agents seized phones and electronic devices belonging to Tapia and several members of the Argentine delegation at New York's JFK airport, just before their return from the World Cup. However, the AFA categorically denies that such an intervention took place.

According to court documents reviewed by Infobae, the investigation also targets Pablo Toviggino, Diego Lucero, and Javier Faroni. U.S. authorities are looking into the operations of Tourprodenter LLC, a Florida-based company responsible for managing AFA's international sponsorship contracts, friendly matches, and television rights.

Prosecutors are specifically trying to determine whether financial transactions exceeding $300 million violated U.S. law. The investigation focuses on funds passing through several American banks and transfers to various companies established in Florida.

Tapia summoned, AFA denies seizures

Still according to Infobae, Claudio Tapia will have to appear before the federal court of the Southern District of Florida and provide all information he holds regarding Tourprodenter as well as his communications with the other executives involved.

The AFA, however, has rejected reports concerning the detention of its president in New York. In a statement signed by its lawyer Gregorio Dalbón, the Federation asserts that "none of the incidents described took place" and describes these reports as "categorically false."

No charges at this stage

At this time, no indictment or criminal charges have been announced by U.S. authorities. The investigation remains in a preliminary phase, aimed at reconstructing financial circuits, identifying the beneficiaries of the transactions, and determining whether any violations were committed. If confirmed, the electronic devices seized could allow investigators to match the executives' communications with the banking documents already gathered.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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