Argentine Football Chief Tapia Faces Corruption Charges Amidst World Cup Success

Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, the head of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), is embroiled in numerous legal battles, facing 21 open cases for alleged corruption. He is already being prosecuted for improper tax withholding and is under investigation by U.S. authorities, including the FBI, for alleged fraud and money laundering.

Tapia's legal troubles have coincided with the Argentine national football team's success in the World Cup. Critics accuse him of using the team's triumphs and star players like Lionel Messi as a shield against public aversion. An incident where someone was seen wiping sweat from Tapia's neck during a match drew widespread criticism for its perceived arrogance and demeaning treatment of subordinates.

The AFA president is also accused of leveraging the team's popularity to intimidate judicial sectors. Legal proceedings are ongoing regarding the jurisdiction to try Tapia for the alleged ownership of a mega-ranch in Pilar, valued at approximately $20 million. Judges are set to hold a hearing to determine the correct venue, as Tapia's defense continues to question the competence of the assigned judge, Verónica Straccia, who is described as serious and honest.

Tapia and his associate, Pablo Toviggino, are reportedly attempting to shift the case to a federal court in Campana by claiming AFA headquarters is a vacant lot they purchased in Pilar, rather than the historic building on Viamonte street. This maneuver aims to place the case under the jurisdiction of Judge Adrián González Charvay, who is perceived as being influenced by intelligence services.

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Tapia uses the players and intimidates prominent sectors of Justice.