Buenos Aires, March 10, 2026 - The new Minister of Justice, Juan Bautista Mahiques, announced that he will maintain the overseers appointed to supervise the functioning of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). This decision aims to clear up doubts amidst the investigations surrounding the leadership of Argentine football. Mahiques also denied reports that his father, Carlos Mahiques, a judge of the Federal Chamber of Criminal Cassation, celebrated his birthday at a property linked to the AFA's treasurer, Pablo Toviggino, located in the town of Pilar. According to the official, these versions are false and seek to generate doubts about his performance at the head of the Ministry of Justice. The decision confirms that the overseers, Rubén Miguel Pappacenay and Agustín Ortiz de Marco, will remain in their posts, originally proposed by the then-Inspector General of Justice, Daniel Vítolo. The appointment of a new head of the Justice portfolio came just days after his assumption and in a context marked by judicial investigations involving the president of the AFA, Claudio 'Chiqui' Tapia, and the entity's treasurer, Pablo Toviggino. The minister formally offered the leadership of the Financial Information Unit (UIF) to federal prosecutor Matías Álvarez, highlighting his impeccable career. The UIF is a key body within the Argentine state for combating money laundering and terrorist financing, making its leadership strategically important. With these initial decisions, Mahiques seeks to set the course for his management at the Ministry of Justice at a time when several investigations linked to Argentine football and the financial system are under public and judicial scrutiny.
