THE FBI is reportedly probing Argentina’s football bosses over claims hundreds of millions of dollars in sponsorship money were laundered through US banks.
Prosecutors are examining whether cash linked to the Argentine Association (AFA) was moved through American banks in a way that could amount to crimes including money laundering and fraud.
Argentina are through to the quarter finals of the World Cup Credit: Getty
Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia Credit: AFP
It comes as ‘s Argentina is set to face in a Kansas City quarter-final showdown in their bid to win back-to-back World Cups.
More than £190million flowed through a Florida company used to collect payments from the AFA’s overseas sponsors and commercial partners, such as and Warner.
But investigators are trying to establish exactly where the money went, who received it and whether any US laws were broken along the way, according to Argentine newspaper La Nacion .
The outlet claims that only a portion of that sum can be linked to footballing operations.
One businessman is reported to have spent three hours speaking to FBI agents and federal prosecutors during a video call last week.
Investigators are reportedly seeking evidence from other people with inside knowledge of the AFA’s finances during the leadership of president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
At the heart of the is TourProdEnter LLC, a Florida-based company that handled payments linked to some of football’s biggest commercial deals.
Documents reviewed by La Nacion allegedly show the company managed at least £190million connected to the AFA.
It claimed another £42m was paid out to a range of companies and individuals, with the purpose of some payments not immediately clear.
Among the transfers reportedly being scrutinised are payments worth tens of millions of dollars to shell companies supposedly owned by people on benefits in Bariloche and Buenos Aires.
Money is now being traced through accounts held at major banks including Citibank, Bank of America, JP Morgan and PNC Bank.
The inquiry reportedly began taking shape earlier this year after a series of reports by La Nacion into the AFA’s financial dealings in the United States.
Investigators are said to be examining whether the transactions warrant a full criminal investigation.
The US Department of Justice has not publicly commented on the reports.
Meanwhile, AFA representatives have urged caution over the allegations.
Speaking at an event in Miami last week, AFA ambassador Tomás Regalado said: “Investigative measures alone do not determine responsibility or guilt.”
The football association has not been charged with any wrongdoing and the reported investigation remains at a preliminary stage.
The Sun has contact the Argentina Football Association for comment.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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