US prosecutors, FBI investigate Argentine FA over alleged money laundering, fraud

US prosecutors, FBI investigate Argentine FA over alleged money laundering, fraud

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is facing growing scrutiny after US federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched a preliminary investigation into its financial activities in the United States over allegations of possible money laundering, bank fraud, and other financial crimes.

According to reports by Argentine media outlet La Nación, investigators are examining whether hundreds of millions of dollars linked to the AFA’s international commercial operations were improperly routed through the US banking system in violation of American financial laws.

The investigation, which reportedly began taking shape in 2025, is being led by officials from the US Department of Justice (DOJ) alongside FBI agents. Authorities are gathering evidence and interviewing individuals with direct knowledge of the football body’s financial dealings in the United States.

At the centre of the probe are transactions conducted during the leadership of AFA President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and senior executive Pablo Toviggino, as investigators seek to determine whether any of the association’s commercial activities breached US regulations governing financial transparency and anti-money laundering compliance.

One of the individuals reportedly questioned by investigators is businessman Guillermo Tofoni, who is said to have participated in a three-hour virtual interview with federal prosecutors and FBI officials based in Washington, D.C., and Miami. While Tofoni has neither confirmed nor denied the meeting, reports indicate that US authorities are seeking testimony from people familiar with the management of the AFA’s international revenues and sponsorship arrangements.

Investigators are paying particular attention to TourProdEnter LLC, a Florida-based company owned by theatre producer Javier Faroni, which reportedly handled the collection of payments from several of the AFA’s international commercial agreements.

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According to documents reviewed by Argentine media, the company managed at least $260 million in revenue generated through sponsorships, broadcasting agreements, and other overseas commercial partnerships. Authorities are tracing how those funds moved through major US financial institutions, including Citibank, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, PNC Bank, and Synovus Bank, to determine whether all transactions complied with federal financial regulations.

Reports claim that while a significant portion of the funds can be linked to legitimate football and business activities, investigators are examining approximately $57 million that was allegedly transferred to various companies and beneficiaries whose economic purpose remains unclear based on available documentation. Some of the transactions under review reportedly involved companies linked to Toviggino and members of his family. However, these allegations remain unproven, and no legal findings have been made against any individual or organisation involved.

The investigation is also examining how revenue from major international sponsorship agreements was processed through the US financial system. Among the commercial partnerships reportedly under review are contracts involving global brands and media companies that have commercial relationships with Argentine football. Prosecutors are seeking to establish whether the movement of funds through US-based entities and banking institutions complied with federal laws governing financial reporting, transparency, and anti-money laundering measures.

Reports further indicate that US authorities are considering interviewing former Argentine government officials who may have had oversight of, or knowledge about, aspects of the AFA’s international operations. Investigators are expected to continue collecting banking records, corporate filings, and witness testimony as part of the preliminary inquiry.

Despite the growing attention surrounding the case, it is important to note that no criminal charges have been filed against the Argentine Football Association, its executives, or TourProdEnter LLC. The investigation remains in its early stages, and US authorities have not publicly accused any individual of wrongdoing.

The US Department of Justice and the FBI have not issued detailed public comments on the matter, while the AFA has emphasised the principle of the presumption of innocence, maintaining that investigative actions do not amount to proof of criminal conduct.

The development comes at a crucial period for Argentine football as the country’s national team continues its campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawing international attention both on and off the pitch.

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US prosecutors, FBI investigate Argentine FA over alleged money laundering, fraud