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2026 World Cup: FBI Probes Argentine Football Association Over Money Laundering, Fraud

United States federal prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have launched a preliminary investigation into the financial activities of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in the United States over suspected money laundering and fraud.

The investigation is examining whether financial transactions linked to the football body violated U.S. laws by improperly moving large sums of money through the American financial system.

According to Argentine newspaper La Nacion, investigators from the U.S. Department of Justice have begun interviewing individuals with knowledge of the AFA’s business operations in the United States during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Authorities are reportedly looking into how the AFA, led by President Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, handled hundreds of millions of dollars in commercial revenue and whether any of the transactions breached federal financial regulations.

One of the people questioned is businessman Guillermo Tofoni, who reportedly took part in a three-hour virtual interview with federal prosecutors and FBI agents based in Washington, D.C., and Miami. Although Tofoni declined to confirm the meeting, reports say investigators are seeking testimony from people familiar with the AFA’s financial dealings.

The probe is also focusing on TourProdEnter LLC, a company that managed payments from the AFA’s international commercial contracts. Investigators are examining the movement of funds during the leadership of Tapia and AFA executive Pablo Toviggino.

Reports claim the company handled at least $260 million in AFA revenue, but only part of the money has been linked to identifiable operating expenses. An additional $57 million was allegedly distributed to various companies and beneficiaries without a clear economic explanation, raising further questions for investigators.

The inquiry, which reportedly began taking shape in 2025, is being led by federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue, Christopher Ting, and Michael Berger. U.S. authorities are also considering interviewing former Argentine government officials who may have had oversight or knowledge of the AFA’s operations.

The U.S. Department of Justice has not publicly commented on the investigation, while the Argentine Football Association has maintained that the principle of presumption of innocence should be respected as the inquiry continues.