Kicillof gives Tapia a multimillion-dollar fund amid corruption scandals

While the federal judiciary deepens investigations into alleged money laundering and front men linked to the president of AFA, Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia consolidates his political power in Buenos Aires province. This week, the Argentine Football Association formally took control of the Estadio Único de La Plata after reaching an agreement with Governor Axel Kicillof.

AFA demanded that, starting December 27, no provincial personnel remain in the stadium and called for the dissolution of the Estadio Único Foundation, which includes Estudiantes and Gimnasia. The entity was funded by a percentage of the La Plata bingo, performed oversight functions, and allocated resources to projects. From now on, all administration will be under the exclusive control of AFA and its leadership, which is under investigation for corruption.

The agreement stipulates that Buenos Aires province will receive an annual fee of 1,000 million pesos ($1,000 million) and 30% of the net revenue from non-sporting events. However, the agreement provides that these amounts may be "offset" through infrastructure works included in the master plan presented by Tapia, which in practice would replace their payment.

This institutional development coincided, in both timing and form, with a new judicial episode that once again places Tapia at the center of attention. This Friday, federal judge Daniel Rafecas ordered a search and appraisal of a high-value mansion located in Villa Rosa, Pilar, reported as the alleged property of front men for the AFA president and his treasurer Pablo Toviggino. The operation included a comprehensive survey of the property, complete video recording of the site, and the appraisal of more than 50 vehicles and other luxury goods found on the estate.

Six experts are working on the procedure, and the site remains guarded by the Federal Police. A report added to the case file indicates that the company under investigation may have 50 high-end vehicles registered in its name.

The property is registered under "Real Central SRL," linked to Luciano Pantano and his mother, Ana Conte, both under investigation as alleged front men for AFA officials. Pantano is listed as a self-employed taxpayer and Conte is retired. The case also examines a chain of previous transfers of the property, which led Rafecas to lift the tax secrecy of one of the involved companies.

The complaint filed by the Civic Coalition describes a property with a helipad, horse track, stud farm with racehorses, and multiple sports facilities. In addition, there have been other raids in private neighborhoods in Pilar, seizure of documents, and precautionary measures such as asset freezes and travel bans for those under investigation.

Thus, while Tapia moves forward with strategic assets of the provincial state with the political backing of Governor Kicillof, the judiciary is simultaneously advancing on the network of assets surrounding the head of Argentine football. Two different playing fields, one main character, and a question that is starting to gain traction: how much power can he concentrate without being held accountable?