A damning new report has revealed the shocking full extent of the FBI’s investigation into the Argentina FA, with allegations of money laundering reportedly just the tip of the iceberg in a scandal labelled as “one of the biggest FIFA has ever covered up”. During this year’s World Cup, claims that the tournament has been ‘rigged’ have certainly not been in short supply.

Indeed, after Lionel Messi and co. staged a stunning comeback from two goals down against Egypt, scoring three times in 14 minutes to win their Round of 16 clash 3-2, both players and their manager began pointing the finger at football’s governing body, accusing it of “favouring” the reigning champions for “marketing purposes”.

While much of that criticism has so far been based on speculation and claims from one side, investigative journalist Romain Molina has now released an in-depth report containing several explosive allegations against the Argentina FA. The findings are likely to add fuel to suggestions that corruption may have played a role in this summer’s showpiece competition.

New Report Makes Explosive Allegations Against Argentina & FIFA

Gianni Infantino via REUTERS/Paul Childs

One of the allegations made by Molina that would raise the loudest alarm bells of corruption is that FIFA provided protection to AFA, despite cases related to money laundering and embezzlement, in addition to US investigations exceeding $300 million. This comes after Donald Trump had already managed to persuade Gianni Infantino into overturning Folarin Balogun’s red card so he could play in USMNT’s 4-1 loss to Belgium.

What’s more, just nine days before Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup, AFA granted all its international commercial rights to a newly founded company in Miami with no experience in football. FIFA transferred prize money funds directly to that private company, rather than sending them to AFA’s accounts. See Molina’s full findings from his investigation in the video below:

The company received a fixed 30% commission on all of AFA’s external revenue, a rate that Molina described as “illogical” and “unprecedented.” Investigations also revealed transfers of millions of dollars to shell companies, some owned by ordinary people who were bankrupt, in debt, or living in public housing.

After receiving these transfers, these individuals vanished from their cities, changed their phone numbers, while neighbors noticed a sudden change in their lifestyle and wealth. Part of the funds, according to Molina, were used to purchase luxury properties, private planes, yachts, and even to finance activities unrelated to football, such as karting cars.

The justice system also suspects that AFA officials personally benefited from these funds, including a luxury palace registered in the names of other people. All of this happened with FIFA’s knowledge of such dealings, with Molina accusing FIFA’s legal director, Emilio Garcia, of having close ties to AFA officials, and questioning the impact on the course of the investigations.

Infantino’s Time As FIFA Top Dog Is Progressively Finite

Evelyn Hockstein via Reuters

When all is said and done on the 2026 World Cup, it will be remembered for some brilliant moments off the pitch, but some uncomfortable ones away from it as well. In particular, the actions of FIFA president Infantino, who is expected to be investigated himself by European Lawmakers.

In the build-up to the tournament, despite Mexico and Canada also hosting the competition, Infantino only seemed interested in cosying up to United States president Donald Trump. Some within FIFA were said to have been left feeling ‘deep embarrassment’ after watching their boss hand Trump the inaugural peace prize, while the Swiss football administrator was also accused of breaking FIFA rules by wearing a MAGA-style red hat in February.

During the World Cup, his relationship with Trump has sparked even more debate, as the US president appeared to lean on Infantino as FIFA decided to allow USMNT striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite his red card in the previous game. With all of these suggestions of corruption, it seems only a matter of time before his web of lies close in on him, with more explosive details perhaps yet to come to light.

After failing to sign long-term target Ederson, Manchester United are in danger of missing out on another midfielder on their shortlist, as Newcastle United have enquired about the availability of Botafogo’s Danilo, according to O Globo.

The Red Devils may have completed the signing of Andrey Santos earlier this week, but they’ve endured a rough start to this summer window. A move for Ederson, which has been in the works for some time, has collapsed, leaving their transfer strategy in limbo.

Michael Carrick and the Old Trafford hierarchy are expected to turn to alternatives to Ederson, with Manu Kone mooted as a candidate.

Danilo, described as an “elite number eight” by Breaking The Lines, has also been identified as a target, although this potential move is now in jeopardy as Newcastle have emerged as a serious contender for the Brazilian’s signature.

Man Utd could now miss out on Danilo as well as Ederson

O Globo report that Newcastle have enquired about Danilo, and while the Magpies are yet to make a formal offer for the former Nottingham Forest man, they view him as one of their top targets to replace Bruno Guimaraes, if the 28-year-old completes a move to Arsenal.

Reports surfaced earlier this week that United have held talks with Botafogo about Danilo’s situation. Danilo is reportedly keen on a return to Europe after leaving Forest last summer, and Botafogo are demanding around €40million (£34million) for his services.

While Newcastle aren’t deemed frontrunners at this time, their need for midfield reinforcements is urgent, and thus, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them move quickly ahead of United to try and sign the 25-year-old.

Eddie Howe is also likely to be able to offer Danilo regular minutes from the outset, while his role in the north-west would likely be more limited.

This could ultimately persuade the player to opt for a switch to Tyneside rather than Manchester, highlighting how United could be in trouble in this particular saga.

Man Utd should pivot to Adam Wharton

Danilo represents a sensible buy if United are merely looking for alternatives to Ederson with greater upside.

However, they should instead be focusing on signing a different profile of midfielder. They’ve already added energy in Santos; they now need a deep-lying playmaker who can dictate their build-up play.

Adam Wharton has been linked with United, and the Crystal Palace man is the exact sort of profile they should be looking at.

The England international is an exceptional passer, and this is what the Red Devils need at the base of their midfield. Instead of adding another workmanlike player who can get on the end of chances in the box, a more metronomic midfield is what Carrick’s side are crying out for.

Liverpool and Manchester United are now said to be going head-to-head to sign a midfielder after surprise developments at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick thought he had boxed off one of his midfield signings after reaching an early agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil star Ederson, but that deal is no more.

United requested further medical checks on the midfielder following his World Cup participation, and it is now being reported that they have communicated to Atalanta that they will not progress with the deal. Atalanta say Ederson is fully fit, but the Red Devils have made their decision, and they will search elsewhere, likely to want two or three midfield signings this summer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also searching high and low for a new midfield, keen to add competition to the middle of the park this summer.

Liverpool and Man Utd tussle for Joao Gomes

According to Portuguese website Globo, both Liverpool and Man Utd have enquired about the possibility of signing Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes. Oddly Gomes is said to have had a deal fully agreed with Atletico Madrid this summer, but it’s claimed the Spanish club blocked the deal because agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Bernardo Silva, agreed to send the former Manchester City star to Atletico, only to agree a last-minute deal with Real Madrid.

Atletico reacted by punishing Mendes by canceling the deal involving his other client, Gomes. That means the 25-year-old midfielder is still on the table, and Liverpool and Man Utd are both said to have ‘contacted’ Wolves to explore a possible deal. Atletico agreed to pay Wolves £38.3million (45million euros), so it’s likely the Midlands club will demand the same total as they prepare for a Championship campaign.

Gomes is ‘going to the top’

Gomes won Wolves’ Player of the Season award last season, and while the Midlands club endured a dire season, the Portuguese midfielder clearly stood out.

In fact, he came in for special praise from former Manchester City defender Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast last season. “We have to give a quick shout-out to Gomes of Wolves,” said Richards. “Oh my word, what a player he is by the way. Gomes, he is a player by the way. Obviously, we don’t get to see Wolves too much on TV. We see them on Match of the Day. Seeing him up close and personal, his touches, his anticipation when he’s winning the ball back and his weight of ball forward. Sorry Wolves fans, he’s going to the top that lad.”