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.
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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.
Liverpool are eyeing up a move to sign Wolves star Mateus Mane this summer, but the clubs are well apart on their valuation, according to United in Focus.
The Reds are looking to rebuild their squad under new manager Andoni Iraola after a disappointing campaign in which they finished fifth in the Premier League, and they have seen key players Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, and Mohamed Salah depart since the end of the season.
Iraola has so far been able to bring in Victor Munoz in attack, while young defender Jeremy Jacquet has arrived following a deal being agreed in January, but now the Anfield club are looking at other players they could bring in to bolster the side.
Liverpool Eyeing Wolves Star Mane
According to a report, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on Portugal youth international Mane in the transfer window.
The 18-year-old was one of the standout performers for Wolves in the Premier League last season as they were relegated to the Championship, but he penned a new long-term contract to commit to the club in the long-term.
However, a number of clubs are ready to test Wolves’ resolve following their relegation, with a £35m price tag reportedly put on the attacking midfielder’s head.
But while Liverpool are big fans of the youngster, who has been described as ‘special’, they are not willing to pay anywhere near the £35m asking price currently, and so far have made no plans to lodge a formal bid.
Mane is capable of playing in midfield, as a number ten, or as a winger, and that versatility has seen him impress a number of clubs. But Liverpool aren’t willing to pay such a high fee for a player with such limited first-team experience at the top level, and a deal is not currently expected to happen.
Man Utd are also showing an interest, and while they agree with Liverpool that £35m is said to be too high, they are reportedly eyeing a £20m bid to tempt Wolves. It remains to be seen if Liverpool would consider matching that should they get a positive response.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
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Liverpool Must Be Sensible With Budget
While Mane is clearly a top talent and someone who has a bright future in the game, Liverpool are in a position where they have to be sensible with their budget.
The club broke the British transfer record twice last summer in deals that didn’t work out too well, while Arne Slot has been sacked and will be due compensation. But there are also a number of positions that need strengthening this summer, which means they can’t throw the cash around in the same way.
Mane would add something to the squad undoubtedly, but at the steep price of £35m, they must prioritise other players in other positions first and then re-evaluate the situation.
Russia’s return to the Olympic Games could have a knock-on effect on their national football team, who have sat out this summer’s World Cup.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension from global competition. This has sparked backlash, particularly from Ukrainian sportspeople, including Wimbledon star Marta Kostyuk, who called the decision “terrible.”
Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the war in Ukraine in March 2022. The nation’s football teams have since sat out World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
FIFA and UEFA Stance on Russia Ban
Despite the IOC’s decision to provisionally lift Russia’s suspension, UEFA are prepared to block Russian teams from returning to international football. That means the country is the only UEFA member association that can’t enter the Euro 2028 qualifying process.
While UEFA haven’t commented, The Guardian claims that several national associations have said there is “no realistic prospect of Russian sides being welcomed back into European football. That also includes the 2030 World Cup because while it is a FIFA tournament, European qualifying is handled by UEFA.
FIFA are expected to review their position on its ban on Russian teams, which has been in place for four years. They have confirmed that they will “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps.”
Both football governing bodies have been embroiled in a stand-off recently amid FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. This allowed Balogun to play in the USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in their Round of 16 clash.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked that the one-game ban be reviewed. He then thanked the sporting body for making the “right decision.”
UEFA responded with a lengthy statement, hitting out at FIFA and expressing its “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” Should FIFA opt to follow the IOC in lifting its ban on Russian teams, it will only further harm the two organisations’ relationship.
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Infantino Presidency Could be Key
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Infantino has already hinted at welcoming Russia back to world football, and he holds a close relationship with Vladimir Putin. They worked together when the 2018 World Cup was staged in Russia.
The FIFA President claimed in February: “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”
Infantino has come under fire during the build-up and throughout the World Cup for letting politics influence sporting decisions. Many are calling for his removal from his position following the Balogun controversy.
European lawmakers are reportedly gathering evidence to launch a probe into FIFA and Infantino. Should an investigation take place, it could affect any decision to lift the ban on Russian teams.
Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni after he agreed a contract extension at the Bernabeu, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have been pushing to upgrade their midfield options this summer after Casemiro departed at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup, leaving Michael Carrick short of options in the middle of the park.
A deal for Ederson has already been agreed with Atalanta, while United also agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos on Wednesday afternoon, adding two new faces to the squad. But they now look set to miss out on another top target after Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
