The Argentine Football Association has rejected reports claiming that its president, Claudio Tapia, and treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, were summoned to testify by US authorities. The organization said those assertions are false and that neither official faces a personal order under the document being circulated.
The clarification centers on a summons issued by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. According to the AFA, the document is addressed to a third party rather than to Tapia or Toviggino.
What the court document concerns
The third party is required to appear before a grand jury and may be asked to provide documents and communications connected to several people, including officials of the association. The AFA said that reference does not amount to a summons for its president or treasurer.
In its statement published on www.afa.com.ar, the association said the document does not order either man to appear before a court. It also said it imposes no procedural obligation on them.
No seizure order, AFA says
The AFA also denied claims that mobile phones or other electronic devices belonging to Tapia or Toviggino had been seized. It said the document contains no search, seizure, or confiscation measure involving property owned by either official.
The association argued that inaccurate or deliberately distorted reporting creates serious misinformation. It said such claims unfairly harm the honor and public image of individuals and institutions.
Warning to media outlets
The AFA called on media organizations and journalists to verify court documents before publishing claims that are not supported by their contents. It described rigorous verification as an essential duty of responsible journalism.
The association said it reserves the right to pursue any legal action available against false or clearly misleading information that harms the institution or its authorities.