Argentine soccer president Claudio Tapia has been barred from leaving the country by a Buenos Aires judge investigating alleged misuse of social security contributions. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) chief and four other officials were summoned to testify on March 5 in what marks the first significant legal action against Tapia.

Judge Diego Amarante's decision follows multiple investigations into Tapia's assets and the financial management of the AFA. The 46-year-old president, who has led Argentine soccer since 2017, faces scrutiny over how social security funds were handled during his tenure. The case represents a major development in Argentine soccer's governance.

Tapia, who has overseen Argentina's recent World Cup victory and Copa America successes, now faces potential legal consequences that could impact his leadership of the AFA. The investigation comes as Argentine soccer continues to grapple with financial challenges and governance issues that have plagued the sport for years.