Claudio "Chiqui" Tapia, the head of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has formally requested his dismissal in a legal case involving over 19 billion pesos in unpaid taxes and contributions. Just one day before his scheduled questioning by prosecutors, Tapia's legal team filed a motion for the Economic Criminal Court to intervene in the case and review a previous ruling by Judge Diego Amarante. This ruling had denied the AFA and Tapia's request for dismissal on the grounds that they had not committed any crime.

In a significant development on Thursday, Judge Amarante accepted Tapia's appeal, forwarding the case to the appellate court. This legal maneuver coincides with the summons of Tapia and several other AFA officials for questioning regarding the alleged financial misconduct, which has raised serious concerns about governance and financial accountability within Argentine football. The questioning is set to begin on March 5, involving not only Tapia but also other key figures in the AFA, including treasurer Pablo Toviggino and Secretary General Cristian Malaspina.

The implications of this case are far-reaching, not only for Tapia and the AFA but also for the overall integrity of Argentine football. Allegations of financial mismanagement and unethical practices, especially regarding government-mandated taxes, have sparked public outcry and could lead to significant reforms in how football is governed in Argentina. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to observe how these legal proceedings affect the AFA's operations and its reputation in the sports community.