Fifa opens disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following World Cup 2026 conduct
Fifa initiates disciplinary action
Fifa has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Argentina concerning their conduct during the World Cup 2026 tournament, including events that transpired after their loss in the final to Spain. The world governing body appointed a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor last week to evaluate the incidents that occurred following the final whistle at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Multiple Argentina players and backroom staff were reportedly involved in altercations with Spain players after the 1-0 defeat in July.
Based on the prosecutor’s recommendation, Fifa will investigate several individuals. These include Argentina players Nahuel Molina (facing two counts) and Leandro Paredes (facing three counts), as well as Argentina assistant coach Roberto Ayala (facing one count). The allegations against these individuals are related to assault, as defined under article 14 of Fifa’s disciplinary code.
In addition to the assault allegations, Molina may also face disciplinary action for one count of alleged unsporting behaviour, also under article 14. Team-mate Thiago Almada and Spain midfielder Gavi are likewise accused of similar breaches of unsporting behaviour. Under Fifa’s disciplinary code, players and officials found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct face a minimum one-match suspension, while assault carries a minimum three-match suspension.
Allegations against the Argentinian Football Association
The Argentinian Football Association itself is subject to disciplinary proceedings for potential breaches that reportedly occurred across multiple matches throughout the tournament. These alleged breaches encompass several articles of Fifa’s disciplinary code. One significant area of concern is the use of a sports event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature, which falls under article 13.
Another set of allegations includes team misconduct, as outlined in article 14. Furthermore, the association faces scrutiny for discrimination and racist abuse, covered by article 15 of the code. Breaching order and security at matches, under article 17, is also part of the proceedings. This latter category relates to various issues, including discriminatory chants and gestures, late kick-offs, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and spectators throwing objects.
A specific incident highlighted involves Argentina’s players celebrating their semi-final victory over England. Following this match, players displayed a banner expressing support for their country’s claim to the Falkland Islands. The banner, which read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translates to “The Falklands are Argentine.” This action is considered a potential breach of article 13, paragraph 2 c), which prohibits using sporting events for non-sporting demonstrations. The banner was reportedly brought to the stadium by supporters and displayed by players in front of fans, and then placed on the pitch for several minutes before being folded and removed by backroom staff.
The proceedings against the Argentinian Football Association and its personnel cover a range of incidents from the World Cup 2026. The investigation will examine the behaviour of players and staff following the final, as well as broader conduct issues observed throughout the competition, including the display of the banner after the semi-final win against England and other alleged security and protocol failures.
The disciplinary process will address the various potential breaches of Fifa’s regulations, ensuring that all aspects of the alleged misconduct are thoroughly investigated. The outcome of these proceedings could result in various sanctions for the individuals and the association involved.
The incidents under review include the angry scenes at full-time after Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain. Leonardo Paredes is specifically cited for grabbing and pushing Spain players, leading to his three alleged breaches of article 14 paragraph 1 i) for assault. Similarly, Nahuel Molina is alleged to have struck Rodri at full-time. The proceedings will determine the consequences for these actions and other reported infringements.
Source: bbc.co.uk
As NewsUK's Senior Football Correspondent, Thomas Beckwith reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on three World Cups for a national news agency. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Sheffield Hallam University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Thomas lives in Sheffield, where he watches lower-league football most weekends. “Football writing is about the decisions, not just the result.”
