As defending champions Argentina continue their push for another FIFA World Cup title, a major controversy is developing away from the pitch.

According to multiple reports, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is under investigation by the FBI and U.S. federal prosecutors over possible money laundering and financial irregularities linked to its business operations in the United States.

The investigation reportedly centres on how hundreds of millions of dollars moved through the U.S. financial system and whether any transactions may have violated American law. Reports originating from Argentine newspaper La Nación say investigators are examining commercial agreements and financial arrangements connected to the AFA’s international operations.

The federation is led by Claudio Tapia, who has overseen one of the most successful periods in Argentine football history. U.S. authorities are reportedly reviewing transactions exceeding $300 million, while witnesses are said to have already provided testimony to federal investigators.

The latest development follows separate legal and financial controversies involving Argentine football. In December 2025, Argentine authorities reportedly raided AFA headquarters and several clubs as part of another investigation involving alleged money laundering and tax evasion.

At this stage, no criminal charges have been announced, and the investigation remains ongoing. The allegations have also had no impact on Argentina’s World Cup participation.

Still, the timing is significant. With Lionel Messi and Argentina preparing for a major quarterfinal match, the reported FBI investigation has created an unwanted off-field distraction and raised new questions about financial transparency within one of world football’s most powerful federations.