Police raid Argentine football association offices in tax evasion probe

BUENOS AIRES: Police conducted another raid on the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in Buenos Aires as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion involving a company linked to the federation.

This was the latest in a series of searches targeting Argentine football institutions and major clubs, coming just months before the world champions are due to defend their title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Police searched AFA offices in downtown Buenos Aires as well as its Ezeiza headquarters, where the national team trains. The residence of the owner of TourProdEnter — an events management firm describing itself as AFA’s “exclusive international commercial agent” — was also raided.

Authorities have opened investigations into tax evasion and money laundering allegedly involving TourProdEnter. A financial firm, Sur Finanzas, which previously sponsored the Argentine league and national team and has close ties to AFA president Claudio Tapia, is also under scrutiny.

Tax officials have accused Sur Finanzas of evading taxes worth around $550 million.

The AFA has rejected the accusations, claiming it is the target of a smear campaign linked to a dispute with a businessman over the organisation of friendly international fixtures for the national team. The federation alleges the complaints are being pushed with the knowledge of President Javier Milei’s government.

President Milei has publicly supported turning football clubs — currently non-profit associations — into publicly traded sports companies.

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