The Argentina national team is preparing to face Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, but a corruption scandal threatens to overshadow their journey. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is under investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice, who are looking into Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and his associates for money laundering and bank fraud. If confirmed, this could be the biggest scandal in South American football in decades.

What is being investigated?

The FBI is trying to trace over $300 million that allegedly passed through the company TourProdEnter LLC, owned by theater producer Javier Faroni and his wife Erica Gillette. This company, linked to the AFA, reportedly managed $260 million in contracts with giants like Adidas and Warner, taking a 30% cut of the AFA’s international revenue, plus an additional 10% for 'logistics expenses'. However, $57 million allegedly vanished into shell companies, raising red flags.

How does this affect Argentina?

The scandal not only threatens the AFA but also taints the image of the Argentina national team, which enters the World Cup with a three-game winning streak (Angola 0-2 Argentina, 2025-11-14) and a recent form of 3W-1D-1L. The investigation could disrupt their preparation, as former officials from Javier Milei’s government may be called to testify.

What role does Gianni Infantino play?

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is also under scrutiny. A notable case is the red card reversal for U.S. player Folarin Balogun after a call between Donald Trump and Infantino. The UEFA called this act 'incomprehensible and unjustifiable', fueling criticism of the integrity of the sport.

What’s next?

The Department of Justice may charge former officials and businessmen linked to the AFA. Meanwhile, the Argentina national team continues its World Cup campaign, but the scandal could leave a deep wound in Argentine football.