Argentine police carried out sweeping raids on the national football headquarters, top clubs, and private homes on Tuesday in a major money-laundering investigation involving Sur Finanzas, a financial firm linked to AFA president Claudio Tapia. Police said “25 to 30 raids” had been conducted, targeting the AFA headquarters, the national team’s training grounds, and clubs including Racing, Independiente, Banfield and San Lorenzo. Authorities suspect the firm of tax evasion and using frontmen to secure financial advantages.
The probe comes amid deepening turmoil in Argentine football, with questions surrounding Tapia’s influence and disputes over league reforms. Several clubs distanced themselves from Sur Finanzas, with Racing insisting its 2023 agreement “was only an advertising and sponsorship deal,” while Excursionistas denied any financial involvement beyond sponsorship. Tensions have grown over alleged favoritism toward Barracas Central, Tapia’s former club, but he remains defiant, saying, “I still have many years ahead.”