World Cup: FBI probes Argentine FA for money laundering, fraud

U.S. federal prosecutors and FBI agents have initiated a preliminary investigation into the Argentine Football Association's financial dealings within the United States. The probe aims to determine if transactions linked to the AFA constitute money laundering or fraud under American law.

According to a report by Argentine newspaper La Nacion, investigators are gathering testimony from individuals familiar with the AFA's financial operations. The focus is on how the organization, led by Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, moved hundreds of millions of dollars through the U.S. financial system and whether these movements violated U.S. laws.

One reported witness, businessman Guillermo Tofoni, allegedly participated in a virtual interview with federal prosecutors and FBI agents. Tofoni declined to confirm or deny the meeting. Investigators are reportedly seeking witnesses with direct knowledge of activities during Tapia and Pablo Toviggino's leadership, as well as dealings with TourProdEnter LLC, a company managed by Javier Faroni that handled payments for the AFA's international commercial contracts.

The investigation also involves examining payments made to companies linked to Toviggino and his family members. La Nacion reported that TourProdEnter LLC managed at least $260 million in revenue for the AFA, but only a portion could be directly tied to identifiable operating expenses. An additional $57 million was distributed among various companies and beneficiaries without clear economic justification, according to bank records analyzed by the newspaper. U.S. authorities are also considering interviewing former Argentine government officials who may have had oversight of the AFA's operations.

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When contacted by LA NACION , Tofoni declined to confirm or deny the private meeting held in Miami.