The AFA contract lawsuit comes before the Florida Grand Jury with new evidence under review.

The case involving contracts linked to the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has moved forward with the presentation of new evidence to the U.S. Federal Grand Jury in Florida. On Thursday, July 30, a confidential witness will appear before the Southern District of Florida United States Court. The court order requires the individual to provide documents, electronic records, and all communications related to TourProdEnter LLC, a company that has been involved in international business dealings for the AFA since 2021. The request includes exchanges with individuals named Tapia, Toviggino, Faroni, and Lucero. The AFA clarified that the summons does not target its president or treasurer. After reports suggested both were being called to appear personally before U.S. authorities, the association issued a statement denying this. Their names appear in the summons because the witness must provide information connected to them, but this does not imply they are under investigation. The probe focuses on contracts, companies, and operations conducted through U.S. banks. According to incorporated records, TourProdEnter managed over $300 million from sponsors, friendlies, prizes, and other agreements tied to the Argentina national team. Prosecutors aim to determine the destination of these funds and whether some were routed via documentation or entities lacking sufficient commercial backing. The person summoned will remain in court until a judge or judicial official authorizes their release. They must also deliver electronically stored information and requested documents. All proceedings remain confidential as part of a federal grand jury process. The publicly available copy of the order does not identify the recipient. Judicial sources suggest the possible witness could be Leandro Petersen, the AFA’s Director of Marketing and Commercialization. However, AFA spokespersons denied receiving such a summons. Petersen works on brand strategy and does not sign contracts or manage funds. Representatives of companies that had sponsorship agreements with the Argentina national team have also reportedly been cited. Their identities have not been disclosed, while representatives of Socios.com have already provided information to investigators. Prosecutors seek details on contract terms, bank accounts used, and the flow of payments sent to TourProdEnter. The grand jury will assess the evidence presented by prosecutors and decide whether there is probable cause to enable a formal indictment. The Thursday hearing does not mean a decision must come immediately. The file may continue with further statements and requests for documentation before a public determination is made. Two judicial sources cited by Clarín and businessman Guillermo Tofoni believe the testimony could push the investigation into a more advanced stage. Tofoni claims the collected materials might allow action against Tapia and Toviggino, though the court and Department of Justice did not confirm this interpretation. No arrests, sanctions against financial institutions, or charges against AFA officials have been announced. The AFA also rejected versions of a supposed seizure of phones or electronic devices from its executives at a U.S. airport. While border authorities can review or copy device data, there is no confirmation that this procedure was applied to Tapia. The AFA stated that investigators did not retain their devices. TourProdEnter and movements involving over $300 million in transactions continue to be central to the ongoing inquiry. The focus remains on tracing the flow of funds and verifying the legitimacy of the entities involved. As the grand jury reviews the evidence, the outcome could lead to further legal actions or additional scrutiny of the AFA's financial practices. The situation remains under active investigation, with the potential for developments in the coming weeks.