FIFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against several Argentina players and officials over incidents following the team's World Cup final loss to Spain, as well as a separate investigation into a Falkland Islands banner displayed after a semi-final match.
The international football governing body announced on Wednesday that it would probe the conduct of Argentina's squad and staff members during the recent World Cup tournament. The investigation stems from confrontations that occurred immediately after the final match between Argentina and Spain in New York, which Spain won 1-0 following extra time.
Five individuals have been named in connection with post-match incidents: Argentina players Nahuel Molina, Thiago Almada, and Leandro Paredes, along with Argentinian official Roberto Ayala and Spain player Pablo Martin Paez Gavira. The charges against them range from assault to unsporting behaviour, according to FIFA's statement.
In a separate inquiry, FIFA will examine an incident from Argentina's 2-1 semi-final victory over England, during which players displayed a banner stating "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine). The investigation will assess potential violations of FIFA regulations prohibiting the use of sports events for non-sporting demonstrations.
Beyond these specific incidents, FIFA cited broader concerns regarding Argentina's conduct throughout the tournament. The body referenced allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, late match kick-offs, security protocol violations, and inappropriate messaging by both team members and spectators, as well as objects being thrown during Argentina's matches at the World Cup.
