Chiqui Tapia in trouble: Summoned to testify by U.S. authorities and his phones seized as part of the investigation

U.S. authorities are reportedly examining millions of dollars in international football transactions involving AFA’s commercial partners and banking networks

Argentina’s football success on the pitch has been overshadowed by growing scrutiny away from the game, with reports claiming that United States authorities have examined the financial activities of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several of its senior officials.

A major development reportedly occurred at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport as AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia prepared to return to Argentina following the national team’s World Cup campaign.

According to reports, FBI agents approached Tapia and requested access to electronic devices, including mobile phones and computers. Other members of the delegation were also reportedly affected by the operation.

The incident delayed the team’s charter flight to Buenos Aires, where supporters had gathered to celebrate Argentina’s tournament performance. However, the AFA rejected claims that the operation took place, with lawyer Gregorio Dalbon describing the reports as false.

Despite the denial, Tapia and other officials have reportedly been called to provide testimony before U.S. authorities. The investigation is focused on the financial structure surrounding Argentina’s international commercial agreements, particularly the role of Florida-based company TourProdEnter LLC.

U.S. authorities examine AFA’s international money trail

TourProdEnter was appointed as the AFA’s exclusive commercial representative for overseas sponsorship agreements, friendly matches, television rights and other business arrangements. Investigators are reportedly examining whether funds moving through U.S. banks were properly managed and whether any transactions require further legal review.

The inquiry is being handled by federal prosecutors specialising in financial crimes and is still considered a preliminary investigation. No officials have been formally charged, and authorities have not concluded that criminal activity occurred.

Reports suggest investigators are reviewing hundreds of millions of dollars that passed through the U.S. financial system, with transactions involving banks including Bank of America, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase, Synovus and PNC Bank.

Officials are reportedly analysing whether money transfers were connected to legitimate football operations or moved through companies with unclear commercial purposes.

The investigation gained attention after businessman Guillermo Tofoni, who has a legal dispute with the AFA, provided information and documentation to U.S. authorities.

Materials from civil proceedings reportedly helped investigators examine the movement of funds and relationships between companies involved in Argentina’s international business operations.

The U.S. interest comes from the fact that American banks and registered companies are allegedly involved in the financial network. This gives federal authorities potential jurisdiction over transactions linked to the U.S. financial system, similar to previous international football corruption investigations.

The scrutiny arrives during a period of increased attention on AFA finances. Argentine authorities have also investigated separate allegations involving money laundering and tax issues connected to football-related businesses.

Argentina’s achievements on the field remain unaffected for now, but the growing investigation has placed the country’s football leadership under significant international attention.