Finalissima under threat? Scandal in Argentina, AFA raids and luxury car seizures

The build-up to the Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been rocked by a major scandal. The match pitting the world and South American champions against the reigning European titleholders is yet to be officially confirmed, and the situation has been further complicated by a judicial investigation into the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

According to Diario AS, authorities recently raided the AFA’s headquarters, with the investigation soon expanding to the private properties of the organization’s top officials. In a luxury mansion linked to AFA president Claudio Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino, investigators carried out a large-scale confiscation of high-end assets. Among the items seized were 45 cars and 7 motorcycles, including a Ferrari F430 worth over half a million euros, three Porsches (a Carrera and two Cayman S), an Audi R8, a Ford Mustang Mach 1, and a Peugeot RCZ.

• See also: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City prediction, H2H and probable lineups — December 14, 2025

The mansion and the car collection are officially registered to the company Real Central SRL, whose owners are listed as AFA official Luciano Pantano and his retired mother. However, the court contends that their declared incomes cannot justify the ownership of such assets. As a result, the Civil Coalition has called for a deeper investigation to determine whether Tapia and Toviggino are the true owners of the property. Interestingly, the mansion previously belonged to former Argentina striker Carlos Tevez.

The unfolding scandal is directly impacting the organization of the Finalissima. Signing of the agreement between the AFA, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), CONMEBOL, and UEFA has been put on hold.