BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Claudio Tapia, President of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), made his inaugural court appearance on Thursday amid mounting legal scrutiny over alleged financial misconduct. The hearing, presided over by Federal Judge Diego Amarante who specializes in economic crimes, centers on accusations that Tapia and four other AFA directors improperly withheld approximately 19 billion pesos ($13 million) in social security taxes during 2024 and 2025.
The case, initiated by the Customs Revenue and Control Agency, has resulted in travel restrictions prohibiting Tapia and his associates from leaving Argentina. The football executive arrived at the federal courthouse accompanied by legal counsel but declined to make any public statements to the gathered press corps.
This investigation represents just one facet of multiple ongoing probes into Tapia’s financial management and personal assets. Additional legal proceedings allege more serious offenses including tax evasion and money laundering. Under Argentine law, the deliberate withholding of national taxes beyond 30 days of their due date carries potential prison sentences ranging from two to six years.
The AFA has vehemently denied all allegations, characterizing them as politically motivated persecution by the administration of President Javier Milei. The association has vigorously defended Tapia’s leadership tenure, which began in 2017 and has overseen unprecedented success for Argentine football including the national team’s victory in the 2022 World Cup and consecutive Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
Legal experts indicate Tapia may exercise his right to remain silent or submit a written defense rather than provide oral testimony as the case progresses through Argentina’s judicial system.