The Argentina Football Association (AFA) is under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over allegations of money laundering involving hundreds of millions of dollars. The probe, which began in 2025, focuses on financial operations managed under AFA president Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and former executive Pablo Toviggino. U.S. federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue and Christopher Ting are leading the inquiry from Washington DC, with Michael Berger of the Southern District of Florida also involved. Berger previously prosecuted former Ecuadorian Comptroller General Carlos Ramón Polit Faggioni on money laundering charges in Miami.
Investigators are examining whether AFA-linked transactions fall under U.S. jurisdiction, particularly those involving TourProdEnter LLC, a company owned by theater producer Javier Faroni. The firm acted as a collection agent for AFA sponsorships and third-party contracts during the period under review. According to La Nacion, documents show TourProdEnter LLC handled at least $260 million in AFA revenue. Faroni and his wife Erica Gillette are alleged to have moved hundreds of millions through accounts at Citibank, Synovus, Bank of America, JP Morgan, and PNC Bank.
The FBI has already taken testimony from businessman Guillermo Tofoni in a three-hour meeting. Authorities are seeking witnesses with direct knowledge of AFA's financial dealings during Tapia and Toviggino's leadership. Investigators are also considering whether to interview former officials from President Javier Milei's government. These individuals may have had access to sensitive AFA information due to their oversight role in operations involving TourProdEnter LLC. The total sum under scrutiny is estimated at $300 million.
The FBI's involvement signals serious concerns about how AFA finances were routed through U.S. banks without prior detection. If confirmed, the movement of $260 million through a theater producer's LLC would expose major gaps in financial oversight within Argentine football's governing body. No Nigerian or African players or officials are mentioned in connection with the case.
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