The Argentine Football Association (AFA) categorically denied media reports claiming that its president, Claudio Tapia, and treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, were detained in the US after the 2026 World Cup final. The football body affirmed that these allegations are completely false, while also indicating that a US investigation targets a third party with ties to the organization.

Reports said Tapia and Toviggino were detained at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, where their electronic devices were confiscated before they were summoned to appear in court regarding contracts of the international body. A source from the association told AFP that 'it's all lies,' while the FBI declined to comment on the incident.

The football organization acknowledged that a district court in Florida issued a subpoena targeting a third party, who was asked to appear before a grand jury and submit documents and correspondence that may be related to a number of individuals, including officials in the administration.

The body, chaired by Tapia since 2017, is under several investigations in Argentina; one focuses on money laundering suspicions, while another relates to tax evasion, adding to the challenges facing his administration.

The relationship between Tapia, a former unionist, and the administration of far-right President Javier Milei has become notably strained; Tapia strongly opposes the president's ultraliberal desire to privatize football clubs across the country, reflecting fundamental disagreements between the two sides.