AFA leadership faces money laundering probe and AI video lawsuit

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and treasurer Pablo Toviggino are facing two distinct legal challenges.

A new money laundering investigation has been referred to federal judge María Servini. The case, initiated by businessman Guillermo Tofoni, alleges a scheme where funds from the US and Spain were diverted through financial firms in Buenos Aires to various companies and legal offices. This has sparked a jurisdictional debate regarding whether the case should be handled by economic criminal courts or federal justice.

Separately, the AFA and Tapia have filed criminal complaints against journalists Jonatan Viale and Franco Mercuriali of the TN network. The legal action follows the broadcast of an AI-generated video that depicted FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Tapia. The video included threats against Tapia and a highly offensive sexual reference regarding footballer Nico Paz. The AFA argues the broadcast constitutes “threats and public instigation to commit a crime,” while the player is also expected to pursue individual legal action.