A World Cup full of controversy has been rocked by another revelation involving Argentina following their 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the Round of 16.

Lionel Messi came to the fore once again, equalising in the 83rd minute in a thriller at Atlanta Stadium. The reigning world champions were two-nil down heading into the final 15 minutes of normal time.

A superb header from Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez in the 90+3rd minute broke Egyptian hearts and sealed a last-gasp victory. Lionel Scaloni now prepares his side for a quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Sunday (July 12th).

Argentine FA Under FBI Investigation

REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed

Off the pitch, more chaos is ensuing, though, as the Argentine Football Association (AFA) are currently under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). An ongoing investigation is determining whether there is possible money laundering involving the AFA, per the Argentine newspaper La Nacion.

It’s claimed that a preliminary investigation began in 2025 to gather information by taking testimony regarding the AFA’s financial operations. The AFA’s figurehead is Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia, who was charged with tax evasion following a complaint filed by Argentine President Javier Milei’s government.

The FBI’s investigation is headed by federal prosecutors Patrick Gushue and Christopher Ting. Michael Berger is also involved and took part in the prosecution of the convicted former Ecuadorian Comptroller General, Carlos Ramón Polit Faggioni, for money laundering in Miami.

Hundreds of millions of dollars, estimated at around $300 million in total, are believed to have been channelled. The investigation focuses on whether these alleged operations may have resulted in crimes, such as money laundering or fraud, that fall under US jurisdiction.

The FBI wants to speak to witnesses who could have direct knowledge of the involvement of the AFA during Tapia’s and Pablo Toviggino’s regimes with the footballing federation. Former officials from Milei’s government may also be approached during the investigation.

This relates to the possibility of those officials having had access to sensitive AFA information while overseeing operations with TourProdEnter LLC. This is a Miami company owned by Theatre producer Javier Faroni and handled AFA’s international commercial revenue.

Uncertainty Over Wire Transfers

Faroni and wife Erica Gillette allegedly moved hundreds of millions of dollars through bank accounts opened at US financial institutions Citibank, Synovus, Bank of America, JPMorgan, and PNC Bank. Documents show that TourProdEnter LLC managed at least $260 million in revenue from the AFA.

Only a small portion can be directly linked to Tapia’s operating expenses during his reign back in 2017. There is no valid reason given as to why $57 million had reportedly been distributed to various people and companies.

Some of the companies that received wire transfers appear to be controlled by individuals who received social welfare benefits and resided in Buenos Aires or Bariloche. Tovigginio and his family have also been linked to other financial transfers and to a ‘spiritual guide’ for the Argentina team.

This is the latest controversy to unfold during a chaotic World Cup. FIFA have come under fire for suspending Folarin Balogun’s red card after US President Donald Trump called Gianni Infantino and asked for the one-game ban to be reviewed.

Manchester United are looking to strengthen their midfield options this summer, and they have now opened talks to bring in a second signing.

The club have already completed an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil star Ederson in a deal worth £38m including add-ons, with a medical the only thing still to be done before he puts pen to paper on a long-term contract.

But United are also now in the hunt to bring one of his Brazil teammates to Old Trafford following their elimination from the World Cup, as they look to secure a bargain signing that Premier League fans may recognise.

Man Utd Open Talks to Sign Danilo Santos

REUTERS/Marco Bello

According to Brazilian media outlet O Dia, via Sport Witness, Man Utd have opened talks with Botafogo over a deal to sign central midfielder Danilo Santos.

Danilo, who has previously featured in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest, was part of Carlo Ancelotti’s squad during the World Cup, but managed just 44 minutes during the tournament, as he fell behind Lucas Paqueta, Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, and Gabriel Martinelli in the pecking order in the centre of the pitch.

Botafogo had been hopeful that the 25-year-old would have a good tournament in order to raise his value ahead of a transfer away this summer, but his lack of game time means they are now unlikely to even be able to fetch the €40m (£34m) they had been demanding prior to the tournament.

Danilo has made it clear that his preference is a return to Europe’s top leagues after an injury-hit spell in England previously, and United are reported to have been paying attention to his situation over recent months.

Now talks have been opened to find out the conditions of a deal, and then the Reds will make a decision on whether to proceed with a deal or look at alternative options instead.

Man Utd Looking at Wildcard Options

After missing out on top options Elliot Anderson and Matheus Fernandes for the midfield, Man Utd have been forced to begin looking at alternative options to fill the void left by Casemiro’s departure.

Danilo has enjoyed a fine goalscoring return to Brazil which earned him a call-up to the national team, but he is also capable of doing the hard yards in a deeper role, and ticks the boxes that Michael Carrick wants as an all-action midfield player who can play alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.

The club are clearly casting their net far and wide to ensure they bring in the players they feel they need, and this is one to pay attention to in the coming weeks now that Brazil are out of the World Cup.

Liverpool are making phone calls to sign a player FSG believe is ‘world-class’ as they look to land their second new summer signing after Victor Munoz, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool swooped in out of nowhere to hijack Newcastle United’s move to sign Spain international Munoz from Osasuna last month, but it is the only new business they have done with Jeremy Jacquet’s summer arrival confirmed after a deal was agreed for the French centre-back in the January transfer window.

The Reds had their eyes on exciting RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande heading into the summer, and at one point there was confidence that the player wanted to move to Anfield and wear the famous red shirt.

However, the 19-year-old has instead decided he would prefer to join Paris Saint-Germain instead, with the Champions League holders currently working on deals to sign the Ivory Coast international and Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche.

Liverpool have been forced to turn to alternative options as a result, and PSG’s pursuit of Diomande and Akliouche might actually turn out to be a positive for Andoni Iraola and the recruitment team.

Should both deals get done, it is more likely that Bradley Barcola will be allowed to leave the Parc des Princes, with Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele already two of their most regular starters on the flanks.

Romano: Liverpool Making Phone Calls to Sign Barcola

Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters

According to Romano, Liverpool have now put Barcola at the very top of their winger wishlist as they look to replace Salah.

The Reds tried to sign the France international from PSG last summer with FSG believing he is ‘world-class’, but no move materialised and the 23-year-old ended up remaining with the Ligue 1 champions.

However, Liverpool and Premier League winners Arsenal are making phone calls about signing the forward, who is currently preparing for a World Cup quarter-final against Morocco on Thursday evening.

Issuing a new update on Barcola’s situation and Liverpool’s interest, Romano said on his YouTube channel:

“I maintain my information since April, and I stand by my information. I keep telling you, don’t forget Liverpool, because both Liverpool and Arsenal are calling for Barcola.

“Liverpool have the player at the very top of their shortlist since the summer transfer window 2025 and Liverpool remain interested in Barcola, so Barcola is 100% on the list of Liverpool. I maintain my information.”

While there may be a fear that no deal can be done until after France either win the World Cup or are knocked out of it, Liverpool did complete a deal for Munoz, who is still in the competition with Spain.

Liverpool Eyeing Move for Real Madrid Star

via Reuters

There could also be changes in Liverpool’s midfield this summer, with Curtis Jones continuing to be linked with a move away and doubts over the long-term future of Alexis Mac Allister at Anfield.

Liverpool could bring in a new midfielder, and they are being linked with a move to sign another France international in Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga.

The 23-year-old could be sold by Real this summer and he could also provide competition for Milos Kerkez too, given he has featured regularly at left-back for the La Liga giants in recent seasons.