The Argentine FA president is banned from leaving the country and could miss Argentina against Spain in the Finalissima

A judge in Argentina has banned the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and four other officials from leaving the country and summoned them to testify about the alleged abuse of social security contributions.

It is the first relevant legal action against Claudio Tapia, the AFA’s top official, who faces several investigations into his assets and the organization’s financial management.

Judge Diego Amarante on Thursday summoned Tapia for questioning on March 5 in the Buenos Aires courts, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.

‘Chiqui’ Tapia is accused of failing to pay social security contributions worth 19 billion pesos ($12.8 million) in 2024 and 2025.

The complaint was filed by the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA). The AFA president is required to appear in court, but he can refuse to testify.

Judge Amarante banned Tapia from leaving the country due to «the seriousness of the events under investigation» and to «guarantee the completion of the judicial proceedings.»

If the travel ban remains in place after he testifies in court, Tapia will be unable to attend the men’s final between Copa America champions Argentina and Euro 2024 winners Spain, to be played in Qatar on March 27.

Treasurer Pablo Toviggino, Secretary General Cristian Malaspina, General Manager Gustavo Lorenzo and former Racing Club President Víctor Blanco will also have to appear to testify and will not be allowed to leave the country for the same reason.

Neither Tapia nor the other officials commented on Amarante’s statement.

Published on February 20, 2026