FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following a series of incidents during and after their defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup final.
The world governing body has appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to investigate events that unfolded after the final whistle at New York New Jersey Stadium, where tensions boiled over following Spain’s 1-0 victory.
Several Argentina players and members of the coaching staff were involved in confrontations with Spanish players after the match, prompting FIFA to open formal investigations.
Defenders Nahuel Molina and midfielder Leandro Paredes are among those facing the most serious allegations. Molina is being investigated on two counts of alleged assault, while Paredes faces three separate assault charges under Article 14 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code.
Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala has also been charged with one count of alleged assault.
In addition, Molina is accused of one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article. Argentina midfielder Thiago Almada and Spain’s Gavi are also under investigation for alleged unsporting conduct.
If found guilty, FIFA’s disciplinary regulations stipulate a minimum one-match suspension for unsporting behaviour, while assault offences carry a minimum suspension of three matches.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is also the subject of disciplinary proceedings over a number of alleged breaches throughout the tournament.
The charges include the use of a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature (Article 13), team misconduct (Article 14), discrimination and racist behaviour (Article 15), and failures relating to order and security at matches (Article 17).
FIFA’s investigation will also examine reports of discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kick-offs, inappropriate messages displayed by players and supporters, and incidents involving spectators throwing objects during matches.
One of the key incidents under scrutiny occurred after Argentina’s semi-final victory over England, when members of the squad celebrated with a banner supporting Argentina’s claim to the Falkland Islands. The banner carried the message, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”), a politically sensitive statement that has drawn international attention.
FIFA has not indicated when the disciplinary process will conclude, but any sanctions imposed could result in suspensions for players and officials, as well as possible fines or other penalties for the Argentine Football Association.
