Argentine Football Body Rocked by Corruption Claims Ahead of World Cup
BUENOS AIRES — Argentina’s football establishment is facing mounting turmoil ahead of the World Cup, as allegations of money laundering, tax offences and secret assets engulf the country’s football association despite its recent sporting success.
The controversy surfaced publicly in March 2024 when retired football star Carlos Tevez posted a cryptic message on social media suggesting irregular activity involving a senior official of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Tevez alleged that the federation’s treasurer was frequently travelling to the Buenos Aires suburb of Pilar, where he implied bags of money had been hidden and antique cars stored.
The post prompted Coalición Cívica, a progressive political party, to open an investigation and file a criminal complaint centred on a sprawling and little-known villa in Pilar. As the World Cup approaches, the property has become a focal point of a widening corruption scandal surrounding the governing body of the reigning world champions.
In early December, police raided AFA headquarters along with more than a dozen football clubs as part of a money-laundering investigation examining financial transfers linked to clubs and a financial services company. Three days later, authorities searched the Pilar villa, discovering a heliport, stables and 54 vehicles, including luxury and collectible cars.
Coalición Cívica alleges the property was used as a front for laundering money connected to AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino. Both men have denied wrongdoing.
Last week, prosecutors in a separate case charged Tapia, Toviggino and other senior AFA figures with unlawfully withholding approximately US$13 million in taxes, following a complaint by Argentina’s tax agency, according to newspaper La Nación.
The AFA did not respond to a Reuters request for comment or interview. In a public statement, the association claimed it was being politically targeted by the government of President Javier Milei, who has advocated transforming Argentina’s traditionally member-run football clubs into for-profit companies. The AFA defended its leadership by citing Argentina’s recent titles, including the 2022 World Cup victory, since Tapia became president in 2017.
Tevez and Toviggino did not respond to requests for comment.
Crisis Despite Success
Despite Argentina’s dominance on the pitch, observers say the AFA is experiencing its most serious institutional crisis in years.
“There are two AFAs,” said sports journalist Néstor Centra. “One that wins everything internationally, and another that is deeply unstable at home.”
Matías Yofe, head of Coalición Cívica’s Pilar branch, told Reuters that investigators spoke with about 10 people who worked at the villa. Several reportedly believed Tapia or Toviggino were the true owners, describing helicopter arrivals, use of the facilities and gifts of football jerseys to staff.
According to the criminal complaint, the property was purchased in 2024 by a company owned by Ana Lucía Conte and her son Luciano Nicolás Pantano — individuals the party claims lacked the financial means for such a purchase. Property records reviewed by Reuters show the estate was bought for US$1.8 million, though experts believe its true value is significantly higher.
Pantano has documented ties to football administration, including leadership roles in futsal and beach football organisations. An attorney who previously represented him did not respond to requests for comment.
Court documents show investigators found an AFA-branded bag bearing Toviggino’s name, football-related books and a plaque honouring him at the villa. Several vehicles — including a Ferrari and multiple Porsches — were registered under the purchasing company, while relatives of Toviggino were reportedly authorised to drive some of them. Authorities are also seeking records related to pilots who used the property’s heliport.
Separately, Argentina’s justice ministry has demanded explanations from the AFA and the Superliga — which manages broadcast rights — over nearly US$500 million in accounting entries dating back to 2017. Officials said the funds were listed under vague categories such as “others.” The Superliga declined to comment.
“If the AFA truly has everything in order, why not explain something so simple?” said Daniel Vitolo, head of the ministry’s Inspector General’s office.
‘These Things Happen’
Legal experts say the investigations are unlikely to affect Argentina’s World Cup participation.
“No one would bear the political cost of that,” said Alan Wilder, a Buenos Aires-based sports lawyer. “The idea of keeping Lionel Messi out of what could be his final World Cup is unthinkable.”
Financial scandals are not new to global football. Previous AFA leadership resigned amid allegations tied to broadcasting revenues, though those accused were cleared this month.
For many fans, the latest revelations confirm long-held suspicions.
“I think the lid has finally blown off,” said Enzo Gutiérrez, a 30-year-old supporter from San Juan. “It’s shocking, but if you follow Argentine football, you grow up knowing these things happen.”
