Argentine football is shining on the pitch, but off it, it is experiencing embarrassing and worrying moments. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has been embargoed and its president, Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, has been indicted for alleged tax fraud, in a case that is already generating international repercussions just a few months before the 2026 World Cup.
Why was the AFA prosecuted?
The decision was made by Judge Diego Amarante, who is investigating the AFA for the crime of “misappropriation of taxes and social security resources“.
According to the court ruling, the entity faces claims for more than 19 billion Argentine pesos (around US$13 million) corresponding to unpaid contributions in the last two years. In addition, an embargo of 350 million pesos was imposed on the organization and its main directors.
Who is involved in tax fraud?
The case not only involves ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, but also:
- Pablo Toviggino (treasurer)
- Cristian Malaspina (general secretary)
- Gustavo Lorenzo (CEO)
- Victor Blanco
Chiqui Tapia’s stance and AFA’s defense
Days before the ruling, Claudio Tapia had filed a brief in which he denied any responsibility for the events under investigation. According to his statement, there is an “absolute lack of intervention” in the decisions that led to the complaint. For its part, the AFA also issued a statement defending its actions.
The organization assured that all the corresponding returns were filed and that the payments were made, although with delays, which resulted in interest but not in additional penalties.
A dispute with institutional impact
The case arose after a complaint by the Direccion General Impositiva, which reports to the Argentine tax collection agency, which elevated the conflict to an institutional level.
The investigation is progressing with less than three months to go before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. It is worth mentioning that one of the measures is the prohibition for Tapia and Toviggino to leave the country, which could complicate their presence in the tournament. This is probably for the best for the Albiceleste, as it is undoubtedly true that in light of these events, the image of the Argentine national team, the reigning world champion, has been tarnished.
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