Argentina FA Dismisses Claims of Detention in US

The Argentine Football Association has come out to vehemently deny reports that its top officials were detained and questioned by US authorities after the World Cup final. According to the AFA, there is no truth to the claims that its president, Claudio Tapia, and treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, were held and had their electronic devices seized by US officials before boarding a flight back to Argentina. The association did, however, confirm that a third party with ties to the AFA is being investigated by US authorities and has been summoned to appear before a grand jury. The individual in question has been asked to present any relevant documents and communications that may be linked to various individuals, including officials of the federation. The AFA, which has been led by Tapia since 2017, is currently facing several domestic investigations into allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. The relationship between the federation and the administration of President Javier Milei has become increasingly strained, particularly over plans to privatize football clubs in the country. In a statement, the AFA described the reports of detention as 'all lies' and emphasized that the only truth to the matter is the ongoing investigation into the third party. The association's statement has helped to clarify the situation and put to rest the speculation that had been circulating in the media.