They refuse to remove the judge investigating Tapia and Toviggino for the evasion of $ 19.353 million

The Argentine judiciary has once again denied a request to remove Judge Diego Amarante from his role in investigating high-profile figures within the Argentine Football Association (AFA). This latest decision marks the third consecutive rejection of Pablo Toviggino’s attempt to have the judge removed from the case involving him and former AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia over allegations of tax evasion and misappropriation of funds totaling approximately $19.353 billion. The ruling was issued by the Chamber of Economic Criminal Cases, specifically the Sala A, which reaffirmed Judge Amarante's authority over the investigation.

Toviggino, who serves as the treasurer of the AFA, had previously attempted to challenge Judge Amarante’s impartiality by filing multiple motions for recusal. His legal team, led by Marcelo Rocchetti, argued that the judge had shown bias by treating two similar submissions—those filed by the defense and by the Argentine Revenue and Customs Agency (ARCA)—differently. According to Rocchetti, while the ARCA’s submission was immediately forwarded to the prosecutor, the defense’s request was ignored. However, the chamber dismissed these claims, stating there were no objective elements proving hostility or partiality on the part of Judge Amarante toward Toviggino.

Judge Amarante, who has been overseeing the case since March 2026, initially charged Tapia and Toviggino with the alleged illegal retention of $19.353 billion in contributions and taxes between March 2024 and September 2025. The charges stem from accusations that they failed to deposit these funds into official accounts, potentially using them for personal gain. The investigation also expanded when ARCA submitted additional evidence suggesting the use of false invoices to facilitate tax evasion worth over $900 million. These developments have intensified scrutiny around both men, particularly given their prominent roles within the AFA.

In addition to the economic crimes, Toviggino faces separate allegations related to the purchase of a luxury mansion in Pilar, Buenos Aires Province. The property, valued at $17 million according to official appraisals, was reportedly bought in May 2024 for $1.8 million. The case against Toviggino in this matter has drawn attention from political figures and civil society groups, including members of the Civic Coalition, who allege a broader scheme of money laundering involving high-end vehicles, real estate, and thoroughbred horses. The Supreme Court of Justice recently rejected an appeal by Luciano Pantano and his mother, Ana Lucía Conte, who sought to transfer the case to its jurisdiction, allowing the investigation to proceed under the Economic Criminal Chamber.

Throughout the proceedings, Toviggino’s legal team has employed various tactics to challenge Judge Amarante’s involvement, including a previous complaint filed by attorney Gregorio Dalbón, which was later archived. Additionally, Toviggino presented a formal accusation against the judge before the Council of Magistrates, alleging improper coordination with ARCA officials. Despite these efforts, the chamber has consistently ruled against removing Amarante, emphasizing the lack of concrete evidence supporting his alleged bias.

The ongoing legal battles reflect the complex web of financial and administrative misconduct surrounding the AFA, with implications extending beyond sports governance into broader questions of transparency and accountability. As the investigations continue, the outcomes could significantly impact the future of football administration in Argentina and set important precedents for how such cases are handled in the country’s legal system.