The FBI seized the cell phone of Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia: why he must testify in the United States

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has issued a firm denial regarding reports that U.S. authorities seized the mobile phone of its president, Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, during his return to Buenos Aires after the FIFA World Cup final. In a direct statement, the AFA dismissed claims that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had confiscated Tapia’s device or that he and the association’s treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, were subjected to forced retention in New York following the tournament. The AFA categorically rejected these allegations, calling them false and warning that legal action will be taken against anyone spreading misleading information that harms the institution's reputation. According to reports, the FBI conducted a search at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York shortly after the conclusion of the World Cup final, which saw Argentina defeated by Spain. Agents reportedly seized Tapia’s cell phone and searched electronic devices belonging to members of the delegation. This operation delayed the departure of the team’s charter flight, causing a two-hour delay and extending the wait for fans who had gathered at Ezeiza Airport. Notably, Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul did not travel with the rest of the squad, returning separately in private flights. The U.S. investigation centers on international commercial contracts managed by the AFA, particularly those involving TourProdEnter LLC, a company acting as the entity’s representative abroad. Prosecutors, including federal attorneys Patrick Gushue, Christopher Ting, and Michael Berger, are examining transactions exceeding $300 million, seeking to determine whether certain transfers could constitute financial crimes such as money laundering and fraud through the U.S. banking system. Documents obtained via a discovery process reveal transfers from TourProdEnter to entities linked to Toviggino, as well as payments directed to María Florencia Sartirana, a former AFA treasurer. Despite acknowledging a current contract with TourProdEnter, the AFA stated that this relationship was previously reviewed by both Argentine and U.S. courts without identifying any irregularities. The U.S. Justice Department has summoned Tapia to appear before the Southern District Court of Florida on July 30, alongside Toviggino, Javier Faroni, and Diego Lucero. Investigators have requested information on communications among the individuals involved. To date, neither Tapia nor the AFA leadership has made public statements regarding the FBI’s actions or the judicial summons. Meanwhile, Tapia continues to face multiple legal proceedings in Argentina, primarily related to alleged tax evasion and financial misconduct. One case, under the Economic Crimes Chamber, involves accusations of failure to meet social security contributions totaling over $19 billion. Initiated by the Revenue and Customs Agency (ARCA), the case is overseen by Judge Diego Amarante. In June, the Economic Crimes Chamber confirmed the prosecution of Tapia and Toviggino, setting the case for trial proceedings. During his defense, Tapia maintained that the AFA did not engage in criminal behavior and argued that the disputed tax obligations were already fulfilled.