Argentina’s Football Association have released an explosive statement after reports emerged on Wednesday that their president Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia had run into trouble before exiting the USA.

It follows a bombshell report claiming the FBI were investigating the South Americans over hundreds of millions allegedly being laundered through banks in the US.

Tapia was present as La Albiceleste were beaten 1-0 by Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. However, an Argentine media outlet have now claimed he faced difficulties before boarding a flight out of the country.

Argentina Deny Their President Was Detained in the US

REUTERS/Carlos Barria

According to Argentine website Infobae (per AS), Argentina’s plane was detained at JFK International airport by the FBI, who then ‘seized’ the phones of senior officials.

Tapia, Pablo Toviggino, and businessmen Diego Lucero and Javier Faroni are allegedly under investigation for fraud and embezzlement. It has been claimed that Tapia and Toviggino have been summoned to give evidence in US court.

While they admitted a third party had been subpoenaed to potentially give evidence, they strongly denied claims surrounding their senior officials. A strong AFA statement said:

It continued: “The document in question does not impose ​any personal ⁠measure on the President of the AFA or its Treasurer, does not order their appearance, does not impose any procedural obligation on them, and does not ⁠record ​any seizure or confiscation of property belonging ​to them.”

The statement references court documents, which reportedly stated Tapia would appear in front of the Southern District Court of Florida. It has also been claimed he would be asked to provide information on Tourprodenter.

Tourprodenter is an organisation based in Florida that handled payments in relation to some of Argentina’s biggest-ever commercial deals. It is alleged that millions of dollars passed through US banks.

It’s already been a drama-filled summer for Newcastle United and some of Eddie Howe’s top stars have been lingering near the exit door.

Sandro Tonali exited St James’ Park when he joined Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million. His midfield partner, Bruno Guimaraes, is reportedly keen on a move to Arsenal after growing ‘frustrated’ on Tyneside.

Should Guimaraes leave, that’s two of Howe’s most important players whom he’ll be without heading into next season. While he does have other midfield options in his squad, there is a good chance that another bids farewell.

Newcastle Close to Selling Willock

Joe Willock’s future looks to lie away from Newcastle, having played a bit-part role under Howe last season. The English midfielder has a year left on his contract and the Magpies are prepared to move him on.

According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards on X, Turkish giants Besiktas are trying to sign Willock and the clubs are negotiating a fee. The Tyneside outfit aren’t willing to offer him a new deal and he looks to have played his last game for the club.

Willock started just 10 of 21 league games last season and he’s been behind Tonali, Guimaraes and Joelinton in Howe’s pecking order. Jacob Ramsey’s arrival last summer only further complicated his chances of minutes.

The 26-year-old arrived from Arsenal in 2021 for around £25 million after impressing during a season on loan. He has encountered a topsy-turvy spell in the North East and even fell out with fans last season.

It’s Time For Willock to Move on

With Willock, branded “brilliant”, entering the final year of his contract, the time is right for him to depart. He isn’t viewed as a viable option to help address Tonali’s exit and may relish the chance to play more football in Turkiye.

If Newcastle can get a decent fee for the player it will be a job well done and allow them to focus on a much-needed midfield signing. One of the names on their shortlist is reportedly Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller and the German has the ability to be a key player in Howe’s system.

What the Magpies can’t afford to do is let the Guimaraes saga drag on like Alexander Isak’s did last summer. If Willock leaves, a replacement must arrive while a decision is reached over Arsenal’s pursuit of the Brazilian.

Cameron Menzies has suffered what appears to be a medical emergency on stage at the World Matchplay Darts in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.

The Scotsman was up to throw but stepped to one side, appearing dazed and uncomfortable as he was up two legs to one. After having words with the referee, Menzies stepped further away from the oche before his opponent, England’s Ross Smith, had to prop him up and escort him off the stage altogether.

St John’s Ambulance were quickly on the scene to treat Menzies, but the match was waved off three minutes later, with Smith now advancing to the quarter-finals.

Cameron Menzies Suffers Medical Scare

While the scenes were alarming, it was quickly reported that Menzies was conscious and talking with his partner as medics continued to assess him.

Menzies had made it through to the second round in style by beating world number two Luke Humphries 10-7, and landing a 170 “big fish” checkout to seal the match. It was a result the Scot called one of the biggest moments of his career following hand surgery and a difficult run of form over the past year.

PDC Darts confirmed Menzies had withdrawn from the match in a statement, which read:

Play resumed shortly after, with Van veen and Wessel Nijman taking to the stage, as the tournament continued. Smith will play the winner of Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross, who are yet to play, as too are Ryan Searle and James Wade.

PDC Confirm What Happened to Cameron Menzies

Shortly after the concerning incident, the PDC confirmed that Menzies had suffered from high blood pressure, causing dizziness and feeling faint. The statement revealed:

“Cameron Menzies was taken ill during his round two match against Ross Smith at the Betfred World Matchplay on Wednesday evening.

“Cameron experienced high blood pressure, which caused him to feel dizzy and subsequently faint.

“Following an assessment by the on-site medical team, Cameron was deemed well enough to return to his accommodation.

“We wish Cameron all the best and look forward to seeing him back in action soon.”