The Argentine Football Association has categorically denied reports that its president, Claudio Tapia, and treasurer, Pablo Tufegino, were summoned or detained by US authorities following the World Cup final.
Media reports indicated that the US authorities detained the pair as they were leaving the United States after Argentina's loss to Spain in the final, as part of investigations related to commercial contracts with the federation worth more than $300 million.
But the Argentine Football Association issued an official statement confirming that this news was "completely untrue," and also denied the rumors regarding the confiscation of Tapia's property or electronic devices.
The union explained that the summons issued by the American judiciary was not directed at Tapia or Tufegino, but rather at a third party associated with the union, who was asked to appear before a grand jury and provide documents and correspondence relating to a number of officials.
These developments come at a time when the Argentine Football Association is going through a period of controversy, following the participation of the "Tango" national team in the 2026 World Cup, which saw the final loss to Spain, amid widespread accusations and controversies about refereeing and controversial decisions during the tournament.
Despite the crises surrounding the federation, the Argentine national team has experienced one of its most successful periods in recent years, having won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the World Cup in 2022, and the Finalesima Cup in 2022.
