Claudio Tapia, the president, and Pablo Toviggino, the treasurer of the Argentine Football Association (AFA), have decided to declare themselves immune from judicial investigation as they face serious accusations of tax evasion and retention of funds amounting to $19.3 billion. Their bold strategy involves claiming parliamentary immunity, which raises questions about their accountability and the legality of their actions. This move appears to be a desperate attempt to avoid legal consequences amid growing public scrutiny and accusations of financial misconduct.

In response to a summons from Judge Diego Amarante, Tapia and Toviggino have threatened to halt football activities from March 5 to 9, framing their stance as a defense of their management rights. This intimidation tactic suggests a troubling mentality where they perceive the operation of Argentine football as theirs to control without external accountability or oversight. With a history of controversial decision-making, their current actions underline a persistent pattern of evasion and manipulation of power within the sport's governance.

However, their demands for immunity and the threat to disrupt football are not resonating well with the public or the football community, which is increasingly disenchanted with their leadership. This situation not only jeopardizes the upcoming football tournaments but also highlights a broader crisis within AFA, marked by financial scandals and a lack of trust in its leaders. As they continue to face potential legal repercussions, the outcome of these developments could significantly impact the future of football governance in Argentina.