Argentina’s impressive run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken an unexpected turn off the pitch, following reports that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is under preliminary scrutiny by United States authorities over alleged financial transactions tied to sponsorship and commercial agreements.
The reigning world champions secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16, earning a place in the quarter-finals where they will face Switzerland. However, the dramatic contest was overshadowed by controversy surrounding several Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions that left Egypt frustrated.
Egypt’s coaching staff and players questioned the officiating after a goal was ruled out, while Argentina’s stoppage-time winner, scored by Enzo Fernández, was allowed to stand despite what they described as similarities between both incidents.
Speaking after the match, Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan suggested that factors beyond football influenced the outcome.
“The result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it.”
Forward Mostafa Ziko also expressed his disappointment, claiming that “the injustice was clear” and alleging that “this tournament has been fixed.”
Despite the strong reactions from Egypt’s camp, no official evidence has been presented to support claims that the tournament was manipulated.
Away from the World Cup action, Argentine newspaper La Nación reported that the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting a preliminary review into financial activities involving the AFA. According to the report, the assessment began in 2025 and focuses on financial operations carried out during the leadership of AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
The publication stated that the reported inquiry is being coordinated by federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Banking Integrity Unit, Christopher Ting in Washington, D.C., and Michael Berger of the Southern District of Florida. Berger previously worked on the prosecution of former Ecuadorian Comptroller General Carlos Ramón Polit Faggioni in a money laundering case.
According to La Nación, investigators are examining financial transactions estimated at approximately $300 million to determine whether any activity could fall under U.S. jurisdiction, including possible money laundering or fraud.
As part of the reported review, investigators have interviewed businessman Guillermo Tofoni during a meeting that reportedly lasted around three hours. The report added that authorities are also seeking testimony from individuals with direct knowledge of financial dealings involving the AFA during the tenure of Tapia and senior official Pablo Toviggino.
Former Argentine government officials who served under President Javier Milei are also said to be potential witnesses because of their oversight of activities involving TourProdEnter LLC, a company owned by theatre producer Javier Faroni.
According to the newspaper, TourProdEnter LLC acted as a collection agent for commercial agreements between the AFA, sponsors and third-party partners, reportedly processing about $260 million in revenue linked to the football federation.
The report further alleged that while a portion of those funds could be traced to legitimate operational expenses, approximately $57 million was allegedly distributed to various individuals and companies without documentation clearly explaining the purpose of the payments.
It also claimed that some transfers involved companies connected to individuals who had previously received social welfare benefits and lived in Buenos Aires or Bariloche. Additional transactions were reportedly linked to Toviggino, members of his family and an individual described as a “spiritual guide” to Argentina’s national football team.
This is not the first time the AFA has reportedly come under the attention of U.S. authorities. In September 2024, Argentina’s Ministry of Security, then led by Patricia Bullrich, reportedly submitted information to American officials highlighting potential financial risk areas involving the federation.
At that time, reports indicated that the FBI found insufficient grounds to open a criminal investigation.
According to La Nación, investigators are now carrying out a fresh preliminary assessment to determine whether the available evidence warrants the opening of a formal criminal investigation under U.S. law.
As of the time of publication, neither the FBI nor the Argentine Football Association had publicly commented on the reported inquiry.
It is important to note that the matter remains at the preliminary review stage. No criminal charges have been filed against the AFA, Claudio Tapia, Pablo Toviggino or any other individual named in the report, and the allegations remain unproven pending any further action by U.S. authorities.
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