Claudio Tapia returns to Argentina without the trophy and faces three major problems: FBI investigating millions of dollars in AFA accounts

AFA president arrives home facing court restrictions and growing scrutiny of overseas transactions

Claudio Tapia left Argentina chasing another World Cup celebration. He returns without the trophy, without Lionel Messi beside him and with a series of legal and institutional problems that continued developing while the national team competed in the United States.

The Argentine Football Association president is due back in Buenos Aires after almost two months abroad, with his return required under the terms of a temporary judicial authorization. Judge Diego Amarante had lifted Tapia’s travel restriction to permit him to attend the tournament, but ordered him to re-enter Argentina by July 21.

Tapia has been charged without pretrial detention in a case initiated following a complaint from Argentina’s tax and customs authority, ARCA. The proceedings concern allegations of unlawful association, misappropriation of taxes and the withholding of social security contributions involving more than 20 billion Argentine pesos.

AFA treasurer Pablo Toviggino and other officials were also charged, while the court imposed substantial asset freezes. All remain entitled to the presumption of innocence, and no final judgment has been reached.

FBI inquiry adds an international threat

The domestic case is only one part of the pressure surrounding Tapia.

FBI agents and U.S. federal prosecutors have reportedly been gathering information about the AFA’s international commercial operations, with particular attention on TourProdEnter LLC, according to the Miami Herald.

The company was appointed to collect revenue generated by national team contracts outside Argentina.

Businessman Guillermo Tofoni reportedly provided evidence during an interview lasting more than two hours with federal investigators. Authorities are examining transactions routed through accounts at Bank of America, Citibank, JPMorgan Chase and PNC Bank.

More than $13.5 million reportedly passed through the PNC account in less than a year, while the wider flow of money associated with the commercial structure has been valued in the hundreds of millions.

The investigation is seeking to establish where the funds ultimately went and whether any transactions breached U.S. federal law. Tapia hasn't been formally charged in the United States, and the inquiry remains preliminary.

Other proceedings in Argentina concern companies reportedly connected to football executives, foreign currency operations and a luxury property in Pilar where several high-end vehicles were allegedly stored.

Tapia must prepare for life after Messi and Scaloni

The legal uncertainty coincides with the possible collapse of the sporting partnership that strengthened Tapia’s authority.

Argentina’s success under Messi and Lionel Scaloni transformed the national team into one of world soccer’s most valuable commercial properties.

The 2022 World Cup, two Copa America titles and the Finalissima generated an era of sporting credibility that supported sponsorships, international friendlies and global brand expansion.

That model now faces an uncertain future. Messi’s sixth World Cup appears to have brought his time as captain close to its conclusion, although he has not formally announced his international retirement.

Scaloni has a contract through December but strongly suggested that he may then step away.

“Until December, I’m here,” Scaloni said after the final defeat to Spain. “After that it will be difficult, and I’ll probably stop.”

Tapia must now manage a transition that extends far beyond selecting a new coach or captain. The figures who gave his administration its greatest legitimacy may soon be gone, just as investigators in two countries intensify their examination of the organization he leads.