Controversy stalks Argentina at World Cup with allegations of FBI probe, rigged referee calls

CHICAGO: As Argentina prepare for a World Cup semifinal on Wednesday against England, the team’s success in the competition is being overshadowed by several controversies.

The first was Egypt’s disallowed goal in the July 7 clash that the South Americans went on to win 3-2 in the final minutes, prompting widespread allegations among fans that decisions by the FIFA referees favored the reigning champions.

Anger over the defeat fueled reports that the FBI is investigating allegations that the Argentina Football Association money laundered more than $300 million through Miami sources, an allegation that the FBI does not deny but declined to comment on for Arab News.

It was also alleged that US President Trump was angry with the referee rulings prompting speculation that the FBI investigation might be political. However, the original allegation of money laundering was not made by the White House or the FBI, but by Argentina’s Ministry of Security.

The alleged FBI investigation was first reported by Argentina’s largest newspaper, El Nacion, surfacing after the world champions’ match against Cape Verde and alleging that FBI agents and US Justice Department prosecutors had questioned Argentinian businessman Guillermo Tofoni in relation to the case.

La Nacion also reported that the Egyptian Football Association and the head coach of the national team went on the record about “serious concerns” over refereeing and decisions by the video assistant referee after their match against Argentina.

With the World Cup dominating the attention of American audiences, the story was quickly picked up, first by the Miami Herald newspaper. But without FBI confirmation the story has not received widespread mainstream media coverage.

Offi