Argentina Football Association under FBI probe for money‑laundering and abuse allegations

Investigative journalist Romain Molina has released a multi‑month investigation that accuses the Argentine Football Association (AFA) of widespread corruption, money‑laundering and the covering up of sexual abuse. The report says AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia authorized a December 2021 contract that gave a newly‑created Miami firm, TourProdEnter, a 30 % commission on all World‑Cup‑related commercial revenue. According to the investigation, roughly $42 million from FIFA and $10 million from CONMEBOL were routed through the firm and then dispersed to shell companies in Delaware, Wyoming and the British Virgin Islands, funding luxury villas in Miami, private Gulfstream jets, yachts in Monaco and even the purchase of Italian club Perugia.

The U.S. Department of Justice and the FBI have opened a criminal investigation into the AFA’s financial transactions, interviewing witnesses in Washington DC and Miami to determine whether the movements constitute money‑laundering or fraud under U.S. law. The probe focuses on Tapia and AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino.

Molina’s report also details allegations that youth coach Diego Guacci sexually and psychologically abused under‑age female players, and that the FIFA Ethics Committee dismissed the complaints, subsequently exposing the victims’ identities. The investigation claims that journalists attempting to expose the scheme have faced threats, online harassment and revocation of match‑day accreditation.