Argentina FA denies explosive claims about its president and the FBI

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has strongly denied claims its president's phone was seized by the FBI.

It comes following reports last month that the AFA was the subject of an FBI investigation into potential money laundering.

And Argentine outlets including Infobae and Clarin reported on Wednesday that several AFA officials had had their phones and other electronic devices seized by the FBI as they prepared to leave New York after Sunday's World Cup final defeat to Spain.

It was also claimed the officials had been instructed to appear in court in the USA on July 30.

According to the reports, those officials included AFA president Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia and treasurer Pablo Toviggino.

'Absolutely false'

But the AFA have vehemently refuted those suggestions.

They said in a statement: "It is absolutely false to claim that Claudio Tapa or Pablo Toviggino have been summoned to testify before U.S. authorities, just as it is false to state that their cell phones or any other electronic devices were seized.

"The Argentine Football Association urges media organizations and journalists to properly verify the content of legal documents before publishing claims that are not supported by them, reminding everyone that journalistic accuracy is an essential duty of responsible reporting."

The fallout continues

Meanwhile, the AFA faces the possibility of a fine as FIFA investigates the behaviour of Argentina players and staff at full-time of the World Cup final.

As Spain began to celebrate their second World Cup triumph, there were ugly scenes at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was seen putting his hand to the throat of Eric Garcia then forcing unused substitute Gavi to the ground.

Footage also picked up defender Nahuel Molina punching Spain captain Rodri, while coach Roberto Ayala appeared to swing at another Spain player, Dani Olmo.

Rather graciously, Gavi would prefer not to see Paredes banned for his actions.

'In the end, it's all football'

"I don't think [Paredes] should be suspended," he told El Partizado de COPE.

"I understand it's not a good image for children, but I think there's also that side to football which is a bit more physical, more aggressive.

"The most logical thing would have been to send him off during the match and that's it. In the end, it's all football and it has to be that way."

Records initially showed Paredes had been sent off, but the red card was later removed.

As such, the 32-year-old could return to action with his club Boca Juniors as soon as this Friday.

Ayala, meanwhile, said he would apologise to Olmo, insisting he had been trying to defuse the situation.

"When the match ended, I saw a scuffle in the middle of the pitch and I went over to stop it from escalating, because that's not who we are," he told Capital Radio in Valencia.

"I take responsibility for what I did. My intention was simply to go and separate them, nothing more."

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