The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has opened a preliminary investigation into the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and its president, Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia, over financial transactions worth more than $300 million that were routed through American banks.

According to Argentine newspaper *La Nación*, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has begun interviewing people familiar with the AFA's financial operations as part of the inquiry, which reportedly began in 2025.

The investigation is examining whether the transactions violated U.S. laws relating to money laundering or fraud. Since the funds were processed through the American banking system, U.S. authorities have jurisdiction to review the transactions even though they originated outside the country.

Why are U.S. authorities involved?

The report states that investigators are focusing on the AFA's international commercial agreements and their connection to TourProdEnter LLC, a company responsible for managing the federation's sponsorship and financial operations under U.S. jurisdiction.

According to *La Nación*, TourProdEnter LLC handled at least $260 million in AFA revenue. After reviewing bank records, the newspaper reported that only part of those funds could be directly linked to identifiable operating expenses.

The publication further alleged that another $57 million was distributed among several companies and beneficiaries without a clear economic justification in the documentation it reviewed.

The transactions under scrutiny were reportedly processed through Citibank, Bank of America and JPMorgan. The report also alleged that payments were made to companies linked to AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino and members of his family.

 FBI interviews underway

As part of the investigation, the FBI reportedly interviewed businessman Guillermo Tofoni for more than three hours last week. U.S. prosecutors are also expected to question former Argentine government officials who may have knowledge of the AFA's financial operations.

No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains in its preliminary stages.

Responding to reports of the probe, Tomas Regalado, the AFA's ambassador for North America, stressed that the investigation should not be interpreted as evidence of wrongdoing.

"Investigative measures alone do not determine responsibility or guilt," Regalado said.