Argentina’s FA under FBI investigation over money laundering claims
By Joel Masibo, July 9, 2026The United States federal investigators are reportedly reviewing financial transactions connected to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) following claims that hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship revenue may have been routed through American banks in suspicious circumstances.
According to reports from Argentine newspaper La Nacion, prosecutors are assessing whether funds linked to the AFA passed through the US financial system in a manner that could potentially involve offences such as money laundering or financial fraud.
The reported inquiry comes as Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, prepares for its FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against Switzerland in Kansas City, where the defending champions are chasing a second consecutive world title.
The report states that more than £190 million (Ksh32.84 billion) moved through a Florida-based company responsible for receiving payments from the AFA’s international sponsors and commercial partners, including Adidas and Warner. Investigators are now attempting to determine how the money was distributed, who ultimately received it, and whether any US laws may have been violated.
La Nacion claims that only part of the funds can be directly connected to football-related activities.
Seeking evidence
Reports also indicate that a businessman spent around three hours speaking with FBI agents and federal prosecutors during a video conference last week as investigators continued gathering information.
Authorities are reportedly seeking testimony from additional individuals familiar with the AFA’s financial operations during the presidency of Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
Central to the reported investigation is TourProdEnter LLC, a company based in Florida that allegedly processed payments tied to several of Argentine football’s largest commercial agreements.
Documents reviewed by La Nacion reportedly suggest the company managed at least £190 million linked to the AFA.
The newspaper further alleges that approximately £42 million was transferred to various companies and individuals, with the purpose of some of those payments remaining unclear.
Among the transactions under scrutiny are reported transfers worth tens of millions of dollars to shell companies allegedly registered in the names of welfare recipients in Bariloche and Buenos Aires.
Tracking money movement
Investigators are reportedly tracking the movement of funds through accounts at major financial institutions in the US.
The reported inquiry is said to have developed earlier this year following a series of investigative reports by La Nacion into the AFA’s financial activities in the United States.
Officials are now examining whether the available evidence justifies launching a full criminal investigation.
The US Department of Justice has not publicly commented on the reports.
Meanwhile, AFA officials have urged restraint while the matter is being reviewed.
Speaking during an event in Miami last week, AFA North America ambassador Tomás Regalado said investigative actions should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing or criminal liability.
At this stage, no charges have been brought against the Argentine Football Association, and the reported inquiry remains in its early stages. The AFA has also been approached for comment.