AFA under US FBI probe for money laundering and abuse cover‑up

US Federal Bureau of Investigation agents in Washington and Miami are interviewing witnesses as part of a probe into the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Investigators are examining whether the AFA, led by president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, moved hundreds of millions of dollars through a newly‑created Miami firm, TourProdEnter (also cited as Tour Prenter), which was granted an unprecedented 30 % commission on all international commercial rights shortly before Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. The scheme allegedly funneled prize‑money and sponsorship revenue into shell companies in Delaware, Wyoming and the British Virgin Islands, financing private jets, yachts, luxury real‑estate and even the purchase of an Italian football club.

French investigative journalist Romain Molina has also released a dossier alleging that the AFA covered up severe sexual and psychological abuse by youth women’s coach Diego Guacci. According to Molina, the FIFA Ethics Committee dismissed the complaints, leaked the victims’ identities and allowed the coach to remain in his position. Both the financial irregularities and the abuse allegations have triggered a parallel criminal investigation in Argentina, where prosecutors have charged Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino with fraud and tax evasion.

The AFA has not commented publicly on the investigations, and no formal charges have been filed in the United States. The case, dubbed “AFAGate,” links alleged corruption, money‑laundering, and institutional protection by FIFA, raising concerns about governance in international football.