The Chamber of Appeals in Economic Criminal Matters confirmed on Apr. 1 the prohibition on leaving the country for Chiqui Tapia and Pablo Toviggino, who serve as president and treasurer of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), respectively. The measure is part of an ongoing case involving alleged improper withholding of contributions, in which both officials were recently indicted.
The restriction was originally ordered in February by Judge Diego Amarante and has now been upheld by Chamber A of the court. The tribunal found that the measure is reasonable to ensure that those accused remain subject to judicial proceedings.
This decision could complicate Tapia’s and Toviggino’s participation at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to begin June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Defense attorneys for both officials argued that Judge Amarante’s travel ban lacked proper justification and was arbitrary. However, after reviewing appeals from both sides, judges Roberto Hornos and Carolina Robiglio concluded that “the first instance decision is based on valid reasons and does not contradict the current state of the case.”
Tapia and Toviggino are accused as alleged co-authors criminally responsible for aggravated misappropriation of taxes on 34 occasions, as well as aggravated misappropriation of social security resources on 17 occasions. The investigation began December 12, 2025 following a complaint from ARCA regarding late payments related to tax withholdings declared by AFA for August and September 2025 periods. Further allegations were added December 18, claiming failures to pay withheld obligations across several monthly fiscal periods between March 2024 and September 2025.
The broader implications may affect Argentina’s football leadership during a major international event if these restrictions remain in place.
