BUENOS AIRES — Argentine lawmakers and U.S. federal prosecutors are investigating Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), over alleged corruption involving World Cup ticket sales and the misuse of $300 million in association funds. On Tuesday, June 2026, an Argentine lawmaker filed a complaint accusing Tapia of selling complimentary World Cup tickets for approximately USD 850 each, though such tickets are intended solely for invitations and may not be sold for revenue.
Three U.S. federal prosecutors—Patrick Gushue and Christopher Ting of Washington and Michael Berger of Florida—are examining AFA’s operations in the United States, including its ties to TourProdEnter LLC, a company owned by theater producer Javier Faroni. The firm allegedly served as AFA’s overseas fundraising agency and managed $300 million in AFA funds, transferring them from a U.S. bank to shell companies. A $13 million transaction to PNC Bank reportedly exposed the scheme.
Despite the investigations, Argentine justice permitted Tapia to leave the country, requiring a bond of 30 million pesos (approximately USD 20,000). He is scheduled to be abroad from May 27 to July 21, 2026, for sporting and institutional commitments, including the UEFA Champions League final and the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. La Nacion reported that the travel authorization was granted even though probes are active in some of the countries he plans to visit.
President of Argentina Javier Milei criticized Tapia in March 2026, stating, “With everything they do, they get more and more corrupt.” The Milei administration has also proposed privatizing Argentina’s soccer business, which is currently operated by social clubs, a move that has previously led to clashes with Tapia.
Tapia has defended his tenure, saying in a May 2026 speech after receiving a leadership award, “Fights are fought from the inside, not the outside. We all know there’s a lot to improve.” He added, “Three presidents have come and gone in the nine years I’ve been in office, and I have many more years to go.”