FBI Investigates Argentine Football Association Over $300 Million Corruption and Sexual Abuse Allegations

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is at the center of a major federal FBI investigation involving allegations of embezzlement, money laundering, and fund diversion exceeding $300 million. The probe, detailed in an extensive report by French journalist Romain Molina, also uncovers systematic cover-ups of sexual crimes and harassment against underage female players in Argentina's youth women's teams, with deliberate negligence by local officials and senior FIFA figures.

According to the investigation, a financial scheme was established in December 2022, just nine days before Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar. The AFA leadership, led by President Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia and Treasurer Pablo Toviggino, signed an exclusive contract with a Miami-based company called "Tor Fronter," granting it sole rights to manage all national team revenues outside Argentina. This included broadcasting rights, sponsorships, logistics, and friendly matches, for an unusually high 30% commission, compared to the industry standard of 10-12%. FIFA and CONMEBOL prize money was funneled directly to Tor Fronter’s bank accounts in Miami rather than to the AFA, then allegedly routed through a complex network of shell companies registered in tax havens such as Delaware, Wyoming, and the Virgin Islands. These companies were registered under the names of ordinary citizens from Bariloche, who experienced sudden wealth increases. The funds reportedly financed luxury lifestyles for AFA officials, including private jet flights, yacht rentals in Monaco, and the purchase of 80% of Italian club Perugia by company founder Javier Faroni in 2024.

The report also reveals disturbing sexual abuse allegations against Diego Guacci, former coach of Argentina’s U16 and U17 women’s teams. In 2021, five underage players filed formal complaints with FIFA’s Ethics Committee via FIFPro, accusing Guacci of psychological abuse and severe sexual harassment, including coercive propositions and threats of assault. Despite awareness within the AFA’s women’s football committee, the matter was systematically covered up. FIFA’s Ethics Committee closed the case citing lack of evidence and controversially shared the complainants’ full names with AFA officials, exposing them to retaliation. Guacci remains unpunished, with the number of accusers rising to eight, who claim they cannot seek justice locally due to the AFA’s political influence.

The investigation accuses FIFA and its head of legal affairs, Emilio García, of granting the AFA political immunity to avoid a South American political crisis and protect votes for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The AFA reportedly relocated its headquarters to Buenos Aires Province to benefit from protection by a politically allied governor, blocking judicial scrutiny. The conflict has become openly political amid tensions between Argentina’s liberal President Javier Milei and the AFA, which opposes his privatization efforts. The FBI’s jurisdiction stems from the use of American bank accounts and companies. Journalists and investigators exposing the scandal have faced severe intimidation, including threats, online harassment, and denial of stadium access. Despite the allegations, the AFA’s board recently approved extending the controversial exclusive contract with the Miami company until 2030, indicating deep-rooted involvement of top officials. Neither FIFA nor the AFA has issued an official response to the findings so far.