Federal authorities search football headquarters and clubs across Argentina in financial probe
Widespread Searches Across Football Organizations
Federal police officers conducted coordinated raids on Tuesday at the Argentine Football Association headquarters along with more than 30 football clubs throughout the country. A police source confirmed the operations to CNN.
The raids followed orders from Federal Judge Luis Armella, who authorized the searches as investigators look into possible money laundering activities connected to Sur Finanzas. The financial firm serves as one of the primary sponsors for Argentina's football governing body.
Financial Firm Denies Allegations
Sur Finanzas addressed the situation in a statement released last week. The company stated that all its operations follow existing regulations and dismissed the allegations as lacking foundation.
CNN and its affiliate TN captured footage on Tuesday showing federal police officers in uniform entering and leaving the Argentine Football Association building located in Buenos Aires.
The AFA has been contacted for a statement but has not yet provided a response.
Investigation Origins
According to a source with knowledge of the case, the investigation started after authorities identified potential irregularities in Sur Finanzas' contractual agreement with Club Atlético Banfield. The club ranks among Argentina's oldest and most respected teams in the country's premier football division.
Banfield released a statement confirming the club's willingness to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Expanding Scope of Inquiry
The source indicated that investigators initially conducted searches at Banfield's facilities and Sur Finanzas offices. During these initial raids, authorities reportedly discovered documents suggesting the financial firm had connections with additional clubs across various divisions.
Based on these findings, Judge Armella authorized the expanded operation on Tuesday, which included more than 30 separate raids. Investigators are working to determine whether similar contractual irregularities exist with other football organizations.
Widespread Searches Across Football Organizations
Federal police officers conducted coordinated raids on Tuesday at the Argentine Football Association headquarters along with more than 30 football clubs throughout the country. A police source confirmed the operations to CNN.
The raids followed orders from Federal Judge Luis Armella, who authorized the searches as investigators look into possible money laundering activities connected to Sur Finanzas. The financial firm serves as one of the primary sponsors for Argentina's football governing body.
Financial Firm Denies Allegations
Sur Finanzas addressed the situation in a statement released last week. The company stated that all its operations follow existing regulations and dismissed the allegations as lacking foundation.
CNN and its affiliate TN captured footage on Tuesday showing federal police officers in uniform entering and leaving the Argentine Football Association building located in Buenos Aires.
The AFA has been contacted for a statement but has not yet provided a response.
Investigation Origins
According to a source with knowledge of the case, the investigation started after authorities identified potential irregularities in Sur Finanzas' contractual agreement with Club Atlético Banfield. The club ranks among Argentina's oldest and most respected teams in the country's premier football division.
Banfield released a statement confirming the club's willingness to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Expanding Scope of Inquiry
The source indicated that investigators initially conducted searches at Banfield's facilities and Sur Finanzas offices. During these initial raids, authorities reportedly discovered documents suggesting the financial firm had connections with additional clubs across various divisions.
Based on these findings, Judge Armella authorized the expanded operation on Tuesday, which included more than 30 separate raids. Investigators are working to determine whether similar contractual irregularities exist with other football organizations.
