( dpa ) - Former star midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron was under investigation in Argentina over the dubious origin of his Hummer vehicle, Argentine media reported Friday.
In this case, diplomats from more than 30 countries were also under investigation for alleged involvement in illegal car importation.
From 2004 to 2007, Argentine Foreign Ministry officials allegedly allowed the entrance of cars for diplomats' use tax-free, bringing their cost down to some 50 per cent of their market value. Soon afterwards, the vehicles were sold to locals.
Veron, 32, told the Argentine daily Clarin that he indeed has a 2005 Hummer, but stressed he bought it in good faith from a friend last year.
The midfielder - who currently plays for Estudiantes in his hometown La Plata and previously played for Lazio, Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan, among other top clubs - was the first public figure to be mentioned in the scandal, although Argentine media expected there would be others among the buyers of ill-obtained luxury cars.