Partly cloudy. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low 39F. NW winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph..
Partly cloudy. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low 39F. NW winds at 25 to 35 mph, decreasing to 5 to 10 mph.
Updated: February 19, 2026 @ 4:18 pm
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — A judge in Argentina has barred the president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and four other officials from leaving the country and summoned them to testify regarding the alleged misuse of social security contributions.
It is the first relevant legal action against Claudio Tapia, the AFA´s top official, who is facing several investigations into his assets and the financial management of the organization.
Judge Diego Amarante summoned Tapia on Thursday 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 contributions amounting to 19 billion pesos ($12.8 million) in 2024 and 2025.
The complaint was brought by the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA).
The AFA president is obligated to appear in court, but he can refuse to testify.
Judge Amarante prohibited Tapia from leaving the country due to “the seriousness of the investigated events” and to “guarantee the completion of the legal proceedings.”
If the travel ban remains in place after he testifies in court, Tapia will not be able to attend the men’s Finalissima between Copa America champion Argentina and Euro 2024 winner Spain set to played on March 27 in Qatar.
Treasurer Pablo Toviggino, Secretary General Cristian Malaspina, General Director 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 ruling.
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Please purchase a Premium Subscription to continue reading.
To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.
We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.
A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means you’re helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
Only subscribers can view and post comments on articles.
Already a subscriber? Login Here
Sat, 2/28, 1-4 pm Congregational Church, San Mateo and Sun, 3/1, 10am-noon, First Presbyteri… Read moreHEAR NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION - AND DEMOCRACY - ADVOCATE REV. JIM ANTAL IN SAN MATEO AND PALO ALTO
With playing described as “stylish and full of fire,” Ensemble Mirable has captivated listen… Read moreEnsemble Mirable: Baroque Masterpieces on period instruments
“Powerful, moving, and exhilarating” Read moreSongs For A New World
Exclusive film screening in San Mateo Read moreA LITTLE FELLOW: THE LEGACY OF A.P.GIANNINI
Dirk van Ulden said:
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Anyone violating these rules will be issued a warning. After the warning, comment privileges can be revoked.