Khaberni - The Argentina national football team, the current title holder, faces the risk of missing the next edition of the World Cup 2026 finals, following a scandal that struck the country's football association.
Last Tuesday, Argentine police raided the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association in the capital Buenos Aires, as part of an investigation into suspicions of money laundering.
This crisis extends beyond football, as the Argentine judiciary is currently seeking to determine whether there has been illicit enrichment and the use of dummy fronts by the association president Claudio Tapia.
A Risk Threatens Argentina's Participation in the 2026 World Cup
Meanwhile, FIFA is closely monitoring the situation to avoid any potential political interference that could lead to Argentina's exclusion from the 2026 World Cup, as reported by the local newspaper "La Nacion".
The Spanish newspaper "Marca" reported that the Argentine team is in a state of anticipation and caution due to this crisis, adding that Lionel Scaloni, the coach of "La Albiceleste", is hesitant to participate in the "Finalissima", a Latin European Super Match against Spain, expected to be held in late March of next year.
The newspaper sees this as a clear indication of the "charged atmosphere" that currently surrounds the Argentine Football Association.
It is worth noting that Judge Daniel Rafecas ordered new raids on a residential complex in Pilar, a province of Buenos Aires, where an investigation into the ownership of a luxurious property registered in the name of Real Central Limited Liability Company linked to individuals Luciano Pantano and Ana Lucia Conti, suspected of being dummy fronts for Tapia, is underway.
Judge Rafecas has imposed a travel ban on the aforementioned individuals pending the investigation.
This operation completes a series of raids executed in more than 15 clubs, in addition to an office located in the center of the capital, as part of the case aimed at clarifying the significant increase in wealth of Tapia and his entourage.
The investigation also includes the treasurer Pablo Toviggino who is accused of providing loans to clubs under unfair terms.
It should be noted that the draw that was held on December 5th in Washington placed the Argentine team in Group 10 alongside the teams of Algeria, Austria, and Jordan.
