The Argentine Football Association (AFA) confirmed on Wednesday its change of address to Buenos Aires province, specifically to the Pilar district, placing it under the exclusive oversight of the Provincial Directorate of Legal Entities. This occurs amid investigations into alleged fund mismanagement, including documents found proving payments of at least 300 million pesos. The move has sparked controversy, with the General Inspection of Justice (IGJ) requesting overseers, though the AFA claims it has lost jurisdiction.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) issued a statement on Wednesday confirming its definitive settlement in Buenos Aires province, following Resolution RESO-2026-1159 from the Provincial Directorate of Legal Entities. The change, approved in an Ordinary General Assembly on October 17, 2024, sets the social headquarters at Mercedes N° 1366, Pilar, and the sports headquarters at the “Lionel Andrés Messi” Training Ground in Ezeiza.
This statutory adjustment means the AFA is now exclusively overseen by the provincial body, per article 157 of the Civil and Commercial Code of the Nation. The entity argues that the IGJ lost authority since October 2024. However, the IGJ announced on Wednesday a request to appoint overseers for the AFA, led by Claudio “Chiqui” Tapia, though it lacks jurisdiction with the new address. The Ministry of Justice, meanwhile, maintains that the change does not affect ongoing investigations.
The backdrop involves allegations from the Revenue and Customs Control Agency (ARCA) of alleged tax debt, leading to summons for questioning of Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino. In response, the AFA Committee declared a strike and suspended matchday 9 of the Apertura Tournament. Additionally, justice officials found documents in AFA offices proving transfers of at least 300 million pesos to Real Central SRL, owner of a mansion in Pilar, for “logistics services” and references to the VAR system, signed by presumed frontman Pantano.
Toviggino's questioning was postponed to March 11 at his defense's request, which asked for time to review the case on alleged fund mismanagement. Newell's Old Boys supported the strike, but fans reacted with insults to Tapia in Rosario.
