The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has strongly denied reports claiming its president, Claudio Tapia, and treasurer Pablo Toviggino were detained by U.S. authorities after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The federation issued a statement rejecting media reports that the two officials were stopped and questioned at an airport while preparing to board the flight taking Argentina’s squad home following Sunday’s defeat to Spain.
According to the reports, Tapia and Toviggino were allegedly held for questioning, had their electronic devices seized and were later ordered to appear before a U.S. court in connection with the AFA’s international commercial contracts.
The association categorically dismissed the claims, describing them as “completely false” and stating simply: “All lies.”
While denying the allegations involving its senior officials, the AFA acknowledged that U.S. authorities have issued a summons relating to a third party connected to the organisation.
According to the federation, a district court has requested that the individual appear before a grand jury and provide documents and communications linked to several people, including officials associated with the AFA.
The association did not disclose the identity of the individual or provide further details about the nature of the investigation.
Tapia has led the Argentine Football Association since 2017, overseeing one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history, including Argentina’s recent international triumphs.
Away from the pitch, however, the federation has faced scrutiny at home. The AFA has been linked to several domestic investigations involving allegations of money laundering and tax evasion, although no findings of wrongdoing against the federation’s leadership have been announced.
Relations between the AFA and the government of Argentine President Javier Milei have also become increasingly strained in recent years, largely because of disagreements over proposals to allow the privatisation of football clubs across the country.
The federation has consistently opposed such reforms, arguing that Argentina’s member-owned club structure should be preserved.
No U.S. authorities have publicly confirmed the reports regarding the alleged detention of Tapia and Toviggino, and the AFA maintains that its senior officials were not questioned or detained following the World Cup final.
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