FBI seizes phones of Argentine Football Association president and officials

Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), along with other AFA officials, reportedly had their phones and electronic devices seized by the FBI. The incident occurred at a New York airport as they were returning to Buenos Aires after a final match against Spain.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's action is reportedly linked to an ongoing investigation into the financial structure employed to manage the AFA's international commercial contracts. According to official documents obtained by Argentine media outlet Infobae, Tapia is summoned to appear before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Tapia has been requested to provide all available information concerning Tourprodenter. This includes communications with Pablo Toviggino, Diego Lucero, and Javier Faroni, all of whom are reportedly under investigation. Tourprodenter, managed by Faroni, is a Florida-registered company acting as the exclusive commercial agent for the AFA concerning sponsorship deals, friendly matches, and television rights.

The investigation specifically focuses on the financial framework used for these international agreements. The summons for Tapia to testify is scheduled for July 30, highlighting the seriousness of the inquiry into the AFA's commercial dealings.