BUENOS AIRES (AP) – Argentine federal police conducted multiple searches Tuesday of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) headquarters and at least 17 soccer clubs.
The raid was part of a judicial investigation into alleged links to financial services firm Sur Finansas, which is under investigation for money laundering and tax evasion. More than 30 raids were carried out simultaneously on clubs in the first and second divisions and on AFA headquarters in the Argentine capital, ordered by federal judge Luis Almera.
Sur Finanzas, owned by Ariel Vallejo, sponsors the AFA tournament and several first and second division clubs.
A law enforcement official involved in the case told The Associated Press that officers are searching for contracts the club signed with financial companies and other documents stored on electronic devices. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
The sources said the clubs attacked included influential teams Independiente, Racing and San Lorenzo, as well as Barracas Central, founded by Matias Tapia, son of AFA president Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia.
The court is investigating a complaint filed by the Customs and Revenue Administration (ARCA) against Sur Finanzas.
The total value of the illegal transactions is 818 billion pesos, or about $560 million, according to the complaint obtained by The Associated Press.
Police also searched AFA-owned facilities in Ezeiza, about 40 kilometers from Buenos Aires, where the national team trains.
Television channels broadcast footage of police inside the offices of the sports organization’s headquarters.
The third-division club’s Excursionistas have distanced themselves from Sul Finanzas.
A message signed by the board and posted on social media said: “The club does not maintain any corporate, financial or managerial relationships with the companies investigated.”
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