Trouble for Messi? Argentine FA chief's phone seized for investigation!
Claudio Tapia has landed at the heart of a new high-profile scandal—this time, far beyond the boundaries of the football pitch.
Details: According to Infobae, FBI agents stopped Argentine Football Association (AFA) president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia at John F. Kennedy Airport just before a charter flight to Buenos Aires. The official was reportedly asked to hand over his mobile phones and other electronic devices. It’s said that computers and phones were also taken from several members of the Argentine delegation.
The incident occurred just before Argentina’s national team was set to return home after the World Cup. The plane, scheduled to depart around 6:00 a.m., didn’t take off until roughly 8:15 a.m.
U.S. law enforcement is investigating the financial structure through which the AFA managed its international commercial contracts. In the spotlight is a Florida-registered company, Tourprodenter, which handled revenues from sponsorship deals, TV rights, and friendly matches involving the national team.
According to sources, the total amount under review exceeds $300 million. Investigators are attempting to trace the flow of funds and determine whether any transactions may have violated U.S. law. As of now, no formal charges have been announced.
However, the AFA has issued a categorical denial. The federation stated that neither Tapia’s nor the organization’s treasurer Pablo Toviggino’s devices were confiscated, and the officials themselves have not received any subpoenas. According to the AFA, the U.S. court’s request was directed at an unnamed third party capable of providing documents and correspondence related to federation representatives.
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Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
