Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following World Cup final and tournament conduct

By Liam Tremblay — 29 July 2026 — 3 min read

Disciplinary proceedings initiated

Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina concerning their conduct during and after the World Cup final against Spain, as well as throughout the tournament. The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to evaluate incidents that occurred after the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium. This assessment followed altercations involving multiple Argentina players and backroom staff after their 1-0 loss to Spain in July.

Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa will investigate several individuals. Among them are Argentina players Nahuel Molina, facing two counts, and Leandro Paredes, facing three counts, along with Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala, facing one count, all for alleged assault under article 14 of Fifa‘s disciplinary code. Molina also faces potential disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour under the same article. Additionally, teammate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are accused of similar breaches of unsporting behaviour.

Under Fifa‘s disciplinary code, players and officials found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct could face at least a one-match suspension, while those found guilty of assault could face at least three matches. The Argentinian Football Association itself is subject to disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches across multiple matches during the tournament.

Allegations against the Argentinian Football Association

The Argentinian Football Association faces a range of allegations, including using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, which falls under article 13 of the disciplinary code. This particular charge relates to an incident after their semi-final victory over England in Atlanta, where several Argentina players displayed a banner. The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translates to “The Falklands are Argentine,” and expressed support for their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands.

This display occurred as Argentina celebrated reaching the final after a 2-1 victory against England. The dispute over the islands, which have been under British rule since 1833, has a long history, including a 74-day conflict in 1982 that resulted in the loss of over 900 lives. Fifa‘s disciplinary code explicitly prohibits using a sports event for non-sporting demonstrations, and this banner generated political discussion on both sides of the Atlantic.

This was not the first instance of an Argentina team expressing such sentiments. In 2014, Fifa fined Argentina £20,000 for a larger banner displayed by players before a friendly match against Slovenia in La Plata. The current charge sheet against the Argentinian Football Association also includes allegations of team misconduct (article 14), discrimination and racist abuse (article 15), and breaching order and security at matches (article 17).

The breaches related to order and security at matches encompass various issues. These include discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by both the team and spectators, and spectators throwing objects during several matches. The incidents following the final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, where altercations broke out as Spain attempted to celebrate their victory, are also part of the investigation.

Leandro Paredes, an Argentina midfielder, was reportedly seen wrestling Spain‘s Eric García to the ground during these post-match scenes. He now faces three counts of assault. Nahuel Molina, a defender, faces two counts of assault, described as one completed and one attempted, in addition to one count of unsporting behaviour. Roberto Ayala, the assistant coach, faces one count of assault, while Thiago Almada, who was an unused substitute in the final, faces one count of unsporting behaviour. Spain‘s Gavi also faces a charge of unsporting behaviour.

Fifa has stated that the individuals and the Argentinian Football Association have been given the opportunity to present their positions. A decision from the Fifa disciplinary committee is expected to be issued in due course following this process.

Source: bbc.com