The Argentine Football Association has forcefully rejected claims that president Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino were detained by federal agents at John F. Kennedy Airport and ordered to testify before United States courts. The AFA released an official statement on Wednesday clarifying the legal situation after local media reported the pair had their electronic devices seized during questioning on the tarmac.
AFA Clarifies Legal Status
In their formal communication, the governing body made clear that any legal summons issued by US authorities target a third party, not the association's executives. The AFA stated unequivocally: "The document to which various publications refer does not constitute a summons directed at the President of the AFA, Claudio Tapia, nor the Treasurer of the institution, Pablo Toviggino."
The organisation further emphasised that neither official faces personal restrictions, adding that the disputed document "does not impose any personal measure on the President of the AFA or its Treasurer, does not order their appearance, does not impose any procedural obligation on them, and does not record any seizure or confiscation of property belonging to them."
Ongoing Investigation Into Commercial Contracts
Despite the AFA's denial regarding its top officials, a broader investigation by United States authorities into Argentine football finances remains active. The probe centres on more than $300 million in commercial contracts linked to the federation, following raids connected to a money laundering investigation last December. This represents the latest scrutiny of the governing body's financial dealings under Tapia's leadership.
The AFA has reserved the right to pursue legal action against the spread of false information. With the investigation continuing and third-party cooperation expected, Argentine football's leadership will maintain standard operations while addressing any requests directed at entities outside its executive structure. The resolution of the broader financial inquiry will likely shape the federation's regulatory standing in coming months.
