Argentine football body in turmoil ahead of World Cup amid mystery villa and money-laundering claims

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is facing a series of scandals as the World Cup approaches, centred on allegations of money laundering, luxury properties and financial irregularities.

In March 2024, retired Argentine football star Carlos Tevez sparked concern with a tweet hinting at suspicious activity in a Buenos Aires suburb. Tevez suggested that the AFA treasurer was frequently visiting Pilar, where he alleged the official had buried bags of money and maintained a collection of antique cars.

Following Tevez’s post, progressive political party Coalición Cívica launched an investigation and filed a criminal complaint relating to a mysterious villa in Pilar. Allegations that the property was being used for money laundering have since become part of a growing list of controversies surrounding the football association responsible for the country’s national team, reigning world champions.

Police raids and luxury property findings

In early December, police raided AFA headquarters and more than a dozen football clubs as part of a probe into transfers of funds linked to the clubs and a financial services company. Three days later, authorities searched the Pilar villa, discovering a heliport, stables, and 54 vehicles, including luxury and collectible cars.

Coalición Cívica’s complaint alleges the villa is a front for a money-laundering scheme tied to Chiqui Tapia, president of the AFA, and treasurer Pablo Toviggino. Separately, Tapia, Toviggino and other AFA officials have been charged with unlawful retention of taxes totalling US$13 million, following a complaint from Argentina’s tax agency, according to La Nación.

The AFA has declined requests for comment from both Tapia and Toviggino regarding the investigations. In a public statement, the association claimed it was being targeted by the government of President Javier Milei, who has pushed for traditionally member-run, nonprofit football clubs to become for-profit entities under private ownership.

“We are on the right path,” the AFA said, listing competitions won since Tapia became president in 2017, including the 2022 World Cup.

Requests for comment from representatives of Tevez and Toviggino were not answered.

Crisis amid on-field success

Despite Argentina’s accolades on the pitch, including the World Cup triumph, the AFA is experiencing its most serious internal crisis in years.

“There are two AFAs,” said Nestor Centra, an Argentine sports journalist, referring to the international success and domestic instability.

Coalición Cívica’s investigation involved interviews with about ten employees who had worked at the Pilar property. One recalled Tapia arriving by helicopter and gifting employees football jerseys, describing the behaviour of the AFA officials as if they were the property’s owners.

The complaint alleges the villa was purchased in 2024 by a company owned by Ana Lucia Conte and her son, Luciano Nicolas Pantano, who reportedly could not afford the acquisition. Records reviewed by Reuters indicate the property, spanning several city blocks, was bought for US$1.8 million, though experts suggest it is worth substantially more. Pantano has links to football governance, including serving as head of the Argentine Civil Association of Futsal and Beach Football.

Authorities discovered a black imitation leather bag branded with the AFA logo and Toviggino’s name, several football books and a plaque honouring him. The 54 vehicles, including a Ferrari and several Porsches, were registered to the company connected to Pantano and Conte. Relatives of Toviggino were authorised to drive some of the cars, and authorities are seeking information on heliport usage.

The justice ministry has requested explanations from both the AFA and the Superliga, which manages match broadcasting rights, for accounting entries amounting to nearly US$500 million since 2017. Daniel Vitolo, head of the ministry’s Inspector General’s office, said the funds appear in balance sheets under generic categories such as “others.” The Superliga declined to comment.

“If the AFA really has its papers in order, why doesn’t it explain something that’s very easy to explain?” Vitolo asked.

Impact on World Cup participation

Experts believe the judicial investigations are unlikely to affect Argentina’s participation in the World Cup.

“No one can pay the political cost of doing that,” said Alan Wilder, a sports law attorney in Buenos Aires. “No one would approve of removing (Lionel) Messi from the World Cup, which could be his last. He’s untouchable.”

Financial scandals are not new in world football, with several top FIFA officials charged with corruption in recent years. Tapia’s predecessor resigned amid an investigation into irregularities in broadcasting revenue, though those charged were absolved this month.

Fans have also criticised the AFA for favouritism, including a controversial award of a trophy to Rosario Central, the club of national star Ángel Di María.

“I think the lid has been blown off the pot,” said Enzo Gutierrez, a 30-year-old Buenos Aires resident and San Martín supporter. “It has grabbed my attention, but if you follow Argentine football, you live knowing that these things happen.”