Argentine Football Faces Major Scandal Involving Allegations of Money Laundering

The investigation into Argentine football was ignited by a cryptic tweet from retired footballer Carlos Tevez in March 2024, which suggested illicit activities occurring in a suburb of Buenos Aires.

Tevez alleged that the treasurer of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) was frequently visiting the Pilar suburb, discussing buried cash and a collection of hidden luxury cars.

This revelation has triggered one of the most significant crises in the history of Argentine football.

Villa Under Investigation

Following Tevez's tweet, the Progressive Civic Coalition initiated an official inquiry, filing a criminal complaint regarding a luxury villa in Pilar, suspected of being a front for money laundering operations.
As the World Cup nears, concerns have risen about the involvement of high-ranking officials within the football federation, posing a threat to the reputation of the current world champions.

Coordinated Raids and Financial Scrutiny

In early December, Argentine police executed simultaneous raids at the AFA headquarters and over a dozen clubs, as part of a comprehensive investigation into money laundering and dubious financial transactions involving the clubs and a financial services firm.
Just three days later, authorities conducted a raid at the Pilar villa, uncovering startling findings.

Luxury Amenities and Vehicles

Inside the villa, police discovered a helipad, horse stables, and 54 vehicles, including rare luxury models such as Ferraris and Porsches, raising questions about the origins of the funds used for these acquisitions.
The Progressive Civic Coalition asserts that the property serves as a cover for a money laundering scheme linked to AFA president Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino.

New Tax Allegations

In a related development, La Nacion reported that prosecutors filed new charges last week against Tapia, Toviggino, and other federation officials for the illegal retention of $13 million in taxes, following a complaint from the Argentine tax authority.
Response from the Federation: Political Motivations
The AFA has released a statement characterizing the ongoing situation as a politically motivated campaign orchestrated by President Javier Milei's government, aimed at coercing clubs to transition from non-profit to private commercial entities.
The federation stated:

“We are on the right path,”

highlighting the sporting successes achieved since Tapia assumed the presidency in 2017, including the 2022 World Cup victory.

Evidence Collected at the Villa

Court documents indicate that authorities seized a black bag featuring the AFA logo and Toviggino's name, along with football-related books and a commemorative plaque.
Sources have also confirmed that relatives of Toviggino possess permits for several of the seized vehicles, further deepening the suspicions surrounding the investigation.
Half a Billion Dollars Under Scrutiny
In a significant development, the Ministry of Justice has demanded clarifications from the AFA and the Premier League regarding financial statements nearing half a billion dollars dating back to 2017.
Daniel Vitolo, head of the ministry's Inspector General's Office, remarked:
“If the federation's finances are legitimate, why not clarify these easily explainable figures?”

Football Under Investigation

As Argentine football grapples with these allegations, the integrity of one of the world’s most successful football federations is at stake, with the unfolding scandal poised to have far-reaching implications for its future management.