The Argentine Football Federation under pressure
Cladio Tapia, the president of the AFA, has been indicted for tax evasion, according to a decision made public on Monday. Other leaders of the reigning world champions are also targeted by this judicial decision.
Their indictment follows a complaint filed in court by the Argentine tax authorities, accusing the AFA and its leaders of failing to pay taxes and social security contributions totaling an estimated 19 billion pesos (around 11.8 million euros).
In addition to Claudio Tapia, four other AFA leaders are facing charges, as well as the Argentine federation, which is also being pursued as a legal entity. The five leaders appeared before the judge on March 12th in relation to the case.
The judge has maintained the travel ban on the head of Argentine football, casting doubt on his presence at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, where Argentina will defend its title won in 2022 in Qatar.
AFA has long been at odds with Javier Milei
Meanwhile, the AFA denies the accusations against its leaders and claims that the proceedings are a tactic by the president of the country, Javier Milei, to pressure Argentine football.
It is worth noting that the ultraliberal leader wants Argentine football clubs, currently structured as non-profit associations, to become anonymous sports corporations. This reform is being opposed by the clubs and is not compatible with the AFA’s statutes. In protest against the government’s project, the clubs went on strike during the 9th round of the first division championship, initially scheduled at the beginning of the month.
Since 2017, the Argentine Football Federation has also been the subject of a separate investigation for alleged money laundering.
