Sur Finanzas Owner Denies Money Laundering, Defends AFA President Tapia

Ariel Vallejo, the owner of Sur Finanzas and currently facing charges of illicit association and money laundering, has asserted his innocence.

“

For me, Tapia is the best president in the history of Argentine football. He does a lot for football, he is federal. You may or may not like him.

In a recent interview, Vallejo spoke about his connection with Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Vallejo praised Tapia, stating he is "the best president in the history of Argentine football" and has done much for the sport. He emphasized that Tapia's position is determined by the football directors who elected him.

Vallejo clarified that while he believes in his own innocence, he does not vouch for anyone else in judicial matters. He explained that Sur Finanzas had been operating for five years before the current football era and continued its business after becoming a sponsor. He dismissed the idea that his case is progressing while others, like those involving Tapia and AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino, are not, calling Sur Finanzas a "scapegoat."

“

I don't put my hands in the fire for Tapia or for anyone else in judicial matters.

Describing his relationship with Tapia as "ordinary," Vallejo stated it developed because Sur Finanzas began investing in and sponsoring AFA. He mentioned that Tapia did not open doors for him but that he requested support for sponsoring the Professional League after initially sponsoring Barracas Central. He also commented on Luciano Nakis, AFA's deputy secretary, explaining their relationship began through football and evolved into a commercial one, assisting with sponsorship.

“

Sur Finanzas is a scapegoat.

Vallejo denied money laundering, explaining that it would require taking funds from third parties, which he did not do. He stated his actions were solely as a sponsor to position his brand, which he claims is easily verifiable. Regarding his displayed luxury items, he downplayed their cost, noting that watches can range widely in price and his were not excessively expensive given his earnings.

“

My relationship with him is ordinary.