Following Tevez’s tweet, the political party Coalicion Civica initiated an investigation and lodged a criminal complaint regarding a suspicious villa in Pilar.
As the World Cup draws near, claims that the villa could be linked to money laundering have become part of a series of controversies surrounding the Argentine Soccer Association, the governing body for soccer in Argentina and the current world champions.
In early December, law enforcement conducted raids at AFA headquarters and over a dozen soccer clubs as part of a money-laundering investigation focusing on financial transactions associated with the clubs and a financial services firm.
Just three days later, authorities raided the villa in Pilar, discovering features such as a heliport, stables, and 54 vehicles, which included luxury and collectible cars. In its complaint, Coalicion Civica claims that the property serves as a front for a money-laundering operation linked to Chiqui Tapia, the AFA president, and treasurer Pablo Toviggino.
Last week, a prosecutor brought charges against Tapia, Toviggino, and other AFA officials for unlawfully keeping taxes amounting to $13 million, following a complaint from Argentina’s tax agency, as reported by La Nacion.
The AFA has not responded to a request from Reuters for an interview with both Tapia and Toviggino, nor has it commented on the various legal matters currently unfolding.
In a public statement, the association asserted that it is facing attacks from President Javier Milei’s government, which aims to transition Argentina’s soccer clubs from nonprofit organizations led by members to for-profit entities under private ownership.
“We are on the right path,” the AFA stated, highlighting the competitions Argentina has triumphed in since Tapia took office in 2017, including the World Cup in 2022.
A spokesperson for Tevez did not respond to an interview request, and Toviggino also did not reply to a request for comment.
Crisis despite success
Despite accolades for Argentina’s on-field achievements, the AFA is currently embroiled in its most significant crisis in years.
“There are two AFAs,” noted Nestor Centra, an Argentine sports journalist, in reference to its international success juxtaposed with domestic instability.
Months after Tevez’s tweet, Matias Yofe, who leads Coalicion Civica’s branch in Pilar, informed Reuters that he and his team spoke with around 10 employees who had worked at the Pilar estate, speculating that Toviggino or Tapia were the proprietors.
One individual recounted an instance of Tapia arriving by helicopter and subsequently giving employees soccer jerseys as gifts.
“What they described was that they acted like owners of the place, using the pool and facilities,” Yofe stated. “Everyone indicated that this belonged to people from the AFA.”
The complaint filed by Coalicion Civica claimed that the property was purchased in 2024 by a company owned by Ana Lucia Conte and her son Luciano Nicolas Pantano, suggesting they could not afford such a purchase. An attorney representing Pantano did not respond to a request for comment.
Documents reviewed by Reuters reveal that the expansive property was acquired for $1.8 million, although experts speculate its actual value could be significantly higher. The complaint highlights Pantano’s connections to the soccer sector, including his role as head of the Argentine Civil Association of Futsal and Beach Soccer.
During the raid, authorities discovered a black imitation leather bag with the AFA logo and Toviggino’s name, several soccer-related books, and a plaque honoring Toviggino. Among the 54 vehicles were a Ferrari and several Porsches, linked to the company associated with Pantano and Conte.
An official with insights into the case confirmed that some of Toviggino’s relatives had permission to drive several of the cars, corroborating a report from local television station TN. Authorities have sought information about the pilots who utilized the heliport to gather details about their passengers.
The justice ministry has demanded that the AFA and the Superliga, which manages broadcasting rights for matches, account for nearly half a billion dollars in transactions dating back to 2017. Daniel Vitolo, head of the ministry’s Inspector General’s office, remarked to Reuters that these amounts appear under vague categories in balance reports labeled “others.” The Superliga has not commented in response to Reuters’ inquiries.
“If the AFA truly has its records in order, why doesn’t it clarify something that should be straightforward?” he questioned.
‘These things happen’
Experts believe that it’s improbable the legal issues will hinder Argentina’s participation in the World Cup.
Financial scandals are not new to soccer worldwide; in recent times, numerous top FIFA officials have faced corruption charges. Tapia’s predecessor resigned amid an investigation into irregularities concerning match broadcasting funds, though those charged in that case were acquitted this month.
Before the current controversies, the AFA had already faced fan criticism over perceived favoritism. Many supporters were outraged when a new and controversial trophy was awarded to Rosario Central, the club of national star Angel Di Maria.
“I think the lid has come off,” remarked Enzo Gutierrez, 30, a resident of Buenos Aires who supports the team San Martin from his hometown of San Juan. “It has caught my attention significantly, but if you’re a football fan, you accept that these things happen in Argentine soccer.”
