Blow to Argentina amid World Cup: Football Association faces money laundering investigation 

BUENOS AIRES: Argentina's World Cup campaign has been overshadowed by reports that the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has launched an investigation into the Argentine Football Association (AFA) over allegations of money laundering and tax evasion. According to reports, the investigation is focused on the AFA's financial transactions in the United States.

Reports also claim that FBI officials conducted searches at the AFA headquarters and at around 17 prominent football clubs as part of the investigation.

The AFA, led by Claudio Tapia, is reportedly facing serious corruption allegations. Investigators are expected to examine how the association transferred money through the U.S. financial system and whether any laws were violated during those transactions. A Florida-based company that manages the AFA's overseas financial transactions is also reportedly under FBI investigation.

According to the reports, millions of dollars were transferred through accounts opened at five U.S. financial institutions. Investigators are also looking into allegations that the association received around $42 million in revenue through shell companies based in Florida. Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association has denied all the allegations.