The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has dismissed reports claiming that its president, Claudio Tapia, and treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, were detained by United States authorities after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The federation issued a statement rejecting the allegations, describing the reports as entirely false after several media outlets claimed the two officials were stopped at an airport while preparing to leave the United States following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in Sunday’s final.
According to the reports, Tapia and Toviggino were allegedly questioned by US authorities, had their electronic devices confiscated, and were ordered to appear in court over matters linked to the AFA’s international contracts.
However, the AFA strongly denied the claims, insisting that neither official was detained or questioned.
“All lies,” the federation said in its response to the reports.
While rejecting the detention allegations, the association confirmed that a US district court had issued a legal summons involving a third party connected to the federation.
According to the AFA, the individual has been instructed to appear before a grand jury and provide documents and communications relating to several people, including officials of the football governing body.
The federation did not reveal the identity of the individual or provide further details about the investigation.
Claudio Tapia, who has led the AFA since 2017, has overseen one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s football history. However, the federation has also faced multiple domestic investigations involving allegations of money laundering and tax evasion.
In recent years, tensions have also increased between the AFA leadership and the government of President Javier Milei, largely over disagreements surrounding proposals to allow the privatization of football clubs in Argentina.
The latest developments come as the AFA seeks to address speculation surrounding its leadership while responding to ongoing legal scrutiny involving individuals linked to the organization.
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