Ariel Vallejo admits AFA ties aided Sur Finanzas commercial deals

Ariel Vallejo, owner of the digital wallet Sur Finanzas, has admitted that his close relationship with Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), facilitated commercial agreements with football clubs. Vallejo stated in a radio interview that being seen with Tapia made it easier to establish commercial ties with various teams.

Vallejo is currently under federal investigation in Lomas de Zamora for alleged illicit association, money laundering, usury, and fraudulent administration involving amounts exceeding $108 million. The investigation has noted that Sur Finanzas established links with at least 16 Argentine football institutions. While Vallejo claims his discussions with Tapia regarding sponsorship did not involve any quid pro quo, the judicial process remains active.

Currently, a preventive embargo imposed by the Federal Court No. 2 of Lomas de Zamora prevents Sur Finanzas from operating, leaving more than 100 employees without salaries for several months.