FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina after World Cup final incidents

By Liam Tremblay — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

FIFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association (AFA), several Argentine players, and an Argentine official following incidents that occurred during and after the World Cup 2026 final. The final match saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time.

The proceedings stem from various alleged rule infractions throughout the tournament, culminating in a physical altercation on the field after the final whistle on July 19. FIFA announced these updates in a statement released on Wednesday.

Charges against players and officials

Disciplinary actions have been opened against three Argentine players and one Argentine official. Specifically, Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina, along with Argentine official Roberto Ayala, face proceedings for potential assault. Paredes is facing three charges of assault, while Molina faces two, and Ayala one.

Additionally, Molina and Thiago Almada from Argentina, as well as Spain’s Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi), are facing proceedings for alleged unsporting behaviour. The on-field brawl involved Paredes reportedly lashing out at Gavi, who was subsequently thrown to the ground.

If the assault allegations are upheld, Paredes could receive a multi-match suspension, potentially an extended ban if multiple acts of violent conduct are confirmed. Molina might also face a suspension, though likely not as severe as Paredes’s. Ayala could face a touchline ban or suspension from stadiums for a certain number of matches. For Almada and Gavi, if found guilty of unsporting conduct, the likely outcomes are shorter suspensions or warnings.

Charges against the Argentinian Football Association and fans

The AFA faces a range of charges, including those related to a political banner displayed by players. Following Argentina’s semifinal victory against England, several players were seen with a banner stating, “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” (The Malvinas are Argentine). This message refers to the Falkland Islands, which Argentina calls Islas Malvinas. FIFA has formally charged the AFA for “using a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature,” which violates rules against political protests.

Furthermore, the AFA has been charged for “discriminatory chants and gestures” by fans, as well as the “throwing of objects by spectators in relation to several matches” during the World Cup. Other potential rule infractions under investigation include late kick-offs, failure to comply with match and security protocols, and the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators.

The range of potential sanctions for the AFA is extensive, including substantial financial fines, formal warnings, or orders to improve crowd control and match organization. In the past, international teams have been compelled to play matches behind closed doors or faced limits on supporter attendance in FIFA competitions.

While a suspension from future World Cups is a theoretical option for FIFA, it is considered highly unlikely. However, repeat offenses by Argentina or their fans in continental competitions or future World Cups could lead to such a threat if the charges are directly related to the team and its supporters, distinct from those against individual players and coaches. The respondents have been given the opportunity to present their position, and a decision from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee is expected in due course.

Source: aljazeera.com