AFA figures summoned to testify in U.S. probe over alleged fund diversion

Several individuals connected to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are scheduled to appear before U.S. authorities next week as part of an investigation into alleged financial misconduct. The case, opened in the Southern District of Florida, centers on TourProdEnter, a company associated with Javier Faroni that acts as the AFA's commercial agent and handles its global revenue.

The FBI is reportedly examining the diversion of hundreds of millions of dollars from AFA sponsors. While the specific individuals summoned remain undisclosed, prosecutors may be seeking information from figures like Juan Pablo Beacon, a former close confidant of treasurer Pablo Toviggino, and Leandro Petersen, the head of AFA's Commercialization and Marketing department.

Beacon, whose father was a prominent figure in regional football, was once a trusted aide to Toviggino. Their relationship reportedly soured, and Beacon is rumored to possess sensitive information that could implicate AFA leadership and even members of the federal judiciary. His testimony is considered potentially vital for the three U.S. prosecutors handling the case.

Petersen, described as having a more technical profile, joined AFA after working at IBM and Mercado Libre. As marketing chief, he was instrumental in expanding the AFA brand's commercial reach globally. While business dealings often involved Toviggino and Beacon, Petersen was also a point of contact for companies engaging with the AFA, according to previous reporting.