Milei clashes with Argentina's soccer boss over corruption scandals weeks before World Cup

Argentine President Javier Milei is reportedly in a dispute with Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), over corruption allegations. The conflict centers on accusations of financial impropriety and the alleged sale of complimentary World Cup tickets.

Tapia faces a complaint filed by an Argentine lawmaker for allegedly selling World Cup tickets intended for invitations, not for profit, at a reported price of $850 each. This incident adds to existing scrutiny, as Tapia is also under investigation for allegedly withholding contributions improperly, with his bond set at 30 million pesos (approximately $20,000).

Despite these legal challenges, Tapia is permitted to travel abroad from May 27 to July 21 for "sporting and institutional commitments," including the World Cup. This travel plan has drawn criticism, especially given that similar corruption cases, like FIFAgate, resulted in arrests of officials during international events. Prosecutors in the United States are reportedly investigating the AFA's financial operations abroad, with a company linked to theater producer Javier Faroni allegedly handling significant AFA funds and moving them through shell companies.