BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — An Argentine judge has prohibited the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and four additional officials from exiting the country and has summoned them to provide testimony concerning the alleged misappropriation of social security funds.
This marks the first significant legal action against Claudio Tapia, the AFA’s leading official, who is currently under investigation regarding his financial dealings and the management of the organization.
Judge Diego Amarante has called Tapia to appear for questioning on March 5 in the Buenos Aires courts, as per documents acquired by The Associated Press.
“Chiqui” Tapia faces allegations of neglecting to remit social contributions totaling 19 billion pesos ($12.8 million) for the years 2024 and 2025.
The complaint was filed by the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA).
The AFA president is required to attend court, although he has the option to decline to testify.
Judge Amarante has restricted Tapia’s travel due to “the seriousness of the investigated events” and to “ensure the continuation of the legal process.”
If the travel restriction remains after his court appearance, Tapia will be unable to participate in the men’s Finalissima, where Copa América champion Argentina is set to face Euro 2024 winner Spain on March 27 in Qatar.
Treasurer Pablo Toviggino, Secretary General Cristian Malaspina, General Director Gustavo Lorenzo, and former Racing Club President Víctor Blanco are also required to testify and will face the same travel restrictions.
Neither Tapia nor the other officials have made any statements regarding Amarante’s decision.
